Embracing the Significance of Ascension Day

Devotional

Day 1: The Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is essential for living a Christian life, as Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for this empowerment before fulfilling their mission. This highlights the necessity of the Holy Spirit's power in our lives. Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot fulfill our calling or effectively spread the Gospel. The disciples were told to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father, which underscores the importance of patience and readiness to receive divine empowerment. The Holy Spirit equips us with the strength and wisdom needed to navigate the challenges of life and to be effective witnesses of Christ's love and truth. [04:13]

Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's empowerment today? How can you create space to wait and receive His guidance and strength?

Day 2: The Irreversible Blessing of Jesus

As Jesus ascended, He blessed His disciples, symbolizing the continuous blessing He bestows upon us. This blessing is powerful and irreversible, providing assurance and strength for our journey. It is a reminder that no force can reverse the blessings that Jesus imparts. His blessing is a source of comfort and encouragement, assuring us that we are not alone and that His favor rests upon us. This divine blessing empowers us to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that we are supported by His grace and love. [06:57]

Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV): "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."

Reflection: How have you experienced Jesus's blessing in your life recently? What steps can you take to acknowledge and embrace His continuous blessing today?

Day 3: The Comfort of Jesus's Intercession

Jesus's Ascension signifies His ongoing intercession for us in Heaven. This is a profound comfort, especially for those who feel alone, knowing that Jesus Himself prays for us, ensuring we are never forgotten. His intercession is a powerful reminder that we are constantly on His heart and that He advocates for us before the Father. This divine advocacy provides peace and reassurance, especially in times of loneliness or struggle, reminding us that we are never truly alone. [29:48]

Hebrews 7:25 (ESV): "Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."

Reflection: When you feel alone or forgotten, how can you remind yourself of Jesus's intercession for you? What difference does it make to know that He is praying for you right now?

Day 4: The Omnipresence of Jesus's Spiritual Presence

The Ascension marks the transition from Jesus's physical presence to His spiritual presence with us always. This shift emphasizes His omnipresence and the assurance that He is with us until the end of the age. Jesus's spiritual presence means that He is not limited by time or space, and He is always accessible to us. This truth provides comfort and strength, knowing that we can rely on His presence in every situation and that He is always near to guide and support us. [08:57]

Matthew 28:20 (ESV): "Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Reflection: How can you cultivate an awareness of Jesus's spiritual presence in your daily life? What practices can help you stay connected to His presence throughout the day?

Day 5: The Hope of Jesus's Return

The Ascension models Jesus's return, as He will come back in the same manner He left. This promise provides hope and anticipation, encouraging us to live with the expectation of His imminent return. The certainty of His return motivates us to live faithfully and purposefully, knowing that our lives have eternal significance. This hope inspires us to persevere through challenges and to remain steadfast in our faith, as we look forward to the day when we will see Him face to face. [33:02]

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (ESV): "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."

Reflection: How does the promise of Jesus's return influence the way you live your life today? What changes can you make to live with greater anticipation and readiness for His return?

Sermon Summary

The focus today is on Ascension Day, a significant yet often overlooked event in the Christian calendar. Ascension Day marks the moment when Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven, a pivotal event that signifies the completion of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His heavenly intercession. This day is crucial because it marks the transition from Jesus's physical presence on Earth to His spiritual presence with us always. Before ascending, Jesus instructed His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit, which would empower them to fulfill their mission of spreading the Gospel to all nations.

The Ascension is a powerful reminder of Jesus's ongoing work and presence. As He ascended, He blessed His disciples, symbolizing the continuous blessing He bestows upon His followers. This blessing is not in vain; it is a powerful assurance that no force can reverse. The Ascension also signifies that Jesus is alive, enthroned in Heaven, and actively interceding for us. This intercession is a profound comfort, especially for those who feel forgotten or alone, knowing that Jesus Himself prays for us.

Moreover, the Ascension sets the stage for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which is essential for living the Christian life. The disciples were instructed to wait for this empowerment before embarking on their mission, highlighting the necessity of the Holy Spirit's power in our lives. The Ascension also models Jesus's return, as He will come back in the same manner He left—physically, visibly, and in glory.

In comparing Ascension Day to Christmas, the Ascension holds unique significance. While Christmas celebrates Jesus's birth, the Ascension celebrates His enthronement and the beginning of His heavenly ministry. It marks the transition from His earthly work to His ongoing spiritual work, emphasizing His presence with us everywhere and His intercession for us in Heaven.

Key Takeaways

1. The Necessity of the Holy Spirit: Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit's empowerment before fulfilling their mission. This highlights the essential role of the Holy Spirit in living a Christian life, as we cannot fulfill our calling without His power. [04:13]
2. The Assurance of Jesus's Blessing: As Jesus ascended, He blessed His disciples, symbolizing the continuous blessing He bestows upon us. This blessing is powerful and irreversible, providing assurance and strength for our journey. [06:57]
3. The Comfort of Jesus's Intercession: Jesus's Ascension signifies His ongoing intercession for us in Heaven. This is a profound comfort, especially for those who feel alone, knowing that Jesus Himself prays for us, ensuring we are never forgotten. [29:48]
4. The Transition to Spiritual Presence: The Ascension marks the transition from Jesus's physical presence to His spiritual presence with us always. This shift emphasizes His omnipresence and the assurance that He is with us until the end of the age. [08:57]
5. The Promise of His Return: The Ascension models Jesus's return, as He will come back in the same manner He left. This promise provides hope and anticipation, encouraging us to live with the expectation of His imminent return. [33:02]
** [33:02]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:21] - Introduction to Ascension Day
[01:16] - Ascension Day in Germany
[02:03] - Importance of Ascension Day
[02:47] - Jesus's Promise to the Disciples
[03:43] - The Need for the Holy Spirit
[05:00] - Jesus's Blessing at Ascension
[07:14] - Closure of Earthly Ministry
[09:13] - Spiritual Presence of Jesus
[10:43] - Disciples' Joy and Worship
[12:08] - Acts Chapter 1 Overview
[13:03] - Waiting for the Holy Spirit
[15:31] - Jesus's Response to Disciples
[18:29] - Power of the Holy Spirit
[22:38] - Jesus's Ascension and Return
[26:17] - Reasons for the Ascension
[33:31] - Ascension Day vs. Christmas Day
[36:20] - Receiving Jesus's Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Ascension Day

Bible Reading:

Luke 24:49-53
Acts 1:4-11
John 16:7

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Observation Questions:

What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples before His Ascension, according to Luke 24:49? How did these instructions relate to the promise of the Father? [03:03]
Describe the physical actions Jesus took as He ascended to Heaven. What significance might these actions hold? [05:16]
In Acts 1:9-11, what was the reaction of the disciples as Jesus ascended, and how did the two men in white apparel address them? [22:54]
According to John 16:7, why was it necessary for Jesus to go away, and what was promised to the disciples as a result?

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the Ascension of Jesus signify the transition from His physical presence to His spiritual presence, and why is this transition important for believers today? [08:57]
What does the continuous blessing Jesus bestowed upon His disciples during His Ascension symbolize for Christians today? How does this assurance impact our faith journey? [06:57]
In what ways does Jesus's ongoing intercession in Heaven provide comfort to those who feel forgotten or alone? How can this understanding change one's perspective on prayer and support? [29:48]
How does the promise of Jesus's return, as described in Acts 1:11, influence the way Christians live their lives today? What does living with anticipation of His return look like practically? [33:02]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt the absence of Jesus's physical presence in your life. How can the understanding of His spiritual presence and intercession change your perspective in similar situations? [08:57]
Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit's empowerment before fulfilling their mission. In what areas of your life do you need to wait for the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment before taking action? [04:13]
The Ascension assures us of Jesus's blessing that cannot be reversed. How can you remind yourself of this blessing in moments of doubt or difficulty? What practical steps can you take to live in this assurance daily? [06:57]
Consider the comfort that comes from knowing Jesus prays for you. How can this knowledge influence your prayer life and the way you support others in prayer? [29:48]
The promise of Jesus's return encourages us to live with hope and anticipation. What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to reflect this hope? How can you share this anticipation with others around you? [33:02]
How can you actively seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment in your life to fulfill your calling as a Christian? Identify one area where you feel called to serve and discuss how you can prepare for this mission. [04:13]
Reflect on the significance of Jesus's Ascension compared to His birth. How does this perspective shift your understanding of His ongoing work and presence in your life? [33:31]

Sermon Clips

"Behold I send the promise of my father upon you but T in the city of Jerusalem until you are indued with power from on high and he led them out as far as Bethany and he lifted up his hands and blessed them now it came to pass while he blessed them that he was parted from them and carried up into heaven and they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God." [00:03:00]

"Jesus had given them a commission a duty he said go preach the gospel and Make Disciples of all Nations and Jesus knew and I hope the disciples knew they could never do that with the empowering of the Holy Spirit absent from their life they needed that outpouring of the spirit which here is called the promise of the father and it's true God has so designed the Christian Life that we cannot live the Christian Life properly without a continual filling of the Holy Spirit." [00:03:47]

"Jesus continued to appears to his disciples for 40 days following his resurrection but eventually it came to the day when he would Ascend to heaven and When Jesus ascended to heaven the first thing that catches my eye is that he ascended to Heaven actually literally physically blessing his church his hands were raised up that that was the posture of blessing especially among the priests of the Old Testament the priests of the Old Testament would raise their hands and pronounce the ironic blessing over the congregation." [00:05:00]

"Now friends let me ask you is it possible that that blessing could be bestowed in vain from those hands like it wouldn't work I can't conceive that I like what Charles Spurgeon said about this he said this if he has blessed you you shall be blessed for there's no power in heaven or Earth or hell that can reverse the power of the blessing which he gives." [00:06:41]

"Now what Jesus dramatically displayed through this Ascension to heaven was that those days were over I'm not going to come and go among you anymore I'm ascending to heaven and my spiritual presence will be with you always as Jesus said behold I Am With You Always even unto the end of the age that will be true that never changes but my physical bodily resurrected presence it's not going to be among you on this Earth anymore no I'm going to ascend to heaven and stay there until I am res until I come again in glory." [00:08:32]

"Jesus basically said guys I don't mind you asking that question but I'm not going to give you any answer right now I don't want you to inquire into the timing of God's Kingdom those things belong to God the Father alone verse 7 he says those are things which the father has put in his own authority and friends can I say it was wise and good for Jesus to not outline his program for the next many thousands of years." [00:15:48]

"Jesus when he ascended to Heaven that he left some things behind on Earth what did Jesus leave behind on Earth as he ascended to Heaven he left an unfinished Mission he left an unchallenged message he left an unquestionable love he left an unmistakable plan he left an unshakable testimony he left an Unstoppable power he left an unfailing promise and he left an unmatched blessing those are all things that Jesus left behind on Earth as he ascended to heaven." [00:26:11]

"The Ascension of Jesus was necessary to show that Jesus was really gone again I can't emphasize this enough that they weren't to live in the expectation that the physical bodily resurrected presence of Jesus was going to continue to R among of them no this was a marking point no now he's in heaven he's no longer physically Among Us on Earth even though he is spiritually with us even unto the end of the age." [00:27:01]

"The Ascension of Jesus was necessary to send the Holy Spirit John 16:7 Jesus said this it is to your advantage that I go away for if I do not go away the helper will not come to you but if I depart I will send him to you that's what Jesus told his disciples if I Ascend to heaven I'm going to go up but the spirit will come down and she said I'm going to go to heaven to descend to pour out the power of my spirit Spirit upon you." [00:29:01]

"Friends it says both in Romans chapter 8 and in Hebrews chapter 7 that Jesus in heaven right now is praying for his people I hope that idea is very precious to you and if there was some way that I could read every heart in this room and find the heart in this room to whom that idea is most precious to I would say to that person it's not precious enough to you this is so meaningful that Jesus prays for his people." [00:29:48]

"Jesus Will so come in like manner as you saw him go into heaven well he left physically and he's going to come back the same way he left visibly and he's going to come back the same way he left from the Mount of Olives and he's going to come back the same way he left in the presence of his disciples he's going to come back the same way he left blessing his church and he will so come in like manner praise the Lord the Ascension of Jesus was necessary." [00:32:48]

"Jesus was born to identify with Fallen Humanity but he ascended to intercede for all redeemed Humanity number nine Jesus was born to Israel but Jesus ascended ended for all nations and number 10 Jesus was born as a blessing but Jesus ascended as he bestowed a blessing and friends I'm here to tell you that blessing flows from the finished work of Jesus from the ascended and enthroned Jesus Christ that blessing is for you if you are born again by God's spirit if you've repented of your sins and put your trust in who Jesus is and what he did for you especially what he did for you at the cross and in his resurrection that blessing is for you." [00:36:00]

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Embracing the Significance of Ascension Day

Devotional

Day 1: The Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit

Day 2: The Irreversible Blessing of Jesus

Day 3: The Comfort of Jesus's Intercession

Day 4: The Omnipresence of Jesus's Spiritual Presence

Day 5: The Hope of Jesus's Return

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Embracing the Significance of Ascension Day

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