Before the Holy Spirit came to indwell servants of Christ, a system of lots was used to determine God’s will in many situations.  In fact, just before the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), the disciples chose someone to replace Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Christ.  They used the system of casting lots to make the choice (Acts 1:23-26).

 

After the day of Pentecost, a distinct difference exists in the way followers of Christ operated to make choices.  When a decision was made by some to send Paul and Barnabas out to declare the gospel, the Holy Spirit directed them specifically to do so; He spoke to them (Acts 13:2).  And when Paul and Barnabas, in turn, traveled to Cyprus they were “sent out by the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:4). Read more…