Empowered by the Ascension: Living Boldly in Faith

 

Summary

The message today centers on the often-overlooked event of the Ascension of Jesus Christ. While the crucifixion and resurrection are frequently discussed, the ascension is equally significant as it marks Christ's triumph over evil. This event signifies that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, reigning over all powers and authorities. Despite the chaos and suffering in the world, the ascension assures us that Christ is in control, and His power is at work in the world and within us.

The story of the tavern owner and the church highlights the power of prayer and the belief in God's intervention. It challenges us to reflect on our faith in God's power. The ascension is not just about Christ's empowerment but also about empowering us as His followers. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to us through the Holy Spirit. This power is not for personal gain but for fulfilling the mission of being witnesses of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.

We are called to see with the eyes of our heart, to perceive the truth beyond the visible facts. The truth is that God's grace is sufficient, and His power is at work in us. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith boldly and fearlessly, sharing God's love and truth with the world. We are not mere spectators but active participants in God's story of love and redemption. As we surrender to the Holy Spirit, we are equipped to be bold and fearless in declaring the kingdom of God.

Key Takeaways:

- The Significance of the Ascension: The ascension of Jesus is a pivotal event that signifies His victory over evil and His reign over all powers and authorities. It challenges us to affirm that "our God reigns" even amidst a world filled with chaos and suffering. This truth tests the extent of our faith and calls us to trust in Christ's rule in the here and now. [06:40]

- Empowerment Through the Holy Spirit: The ascension is not only about Christ's empowerment but also about empowering us as His followers. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to us through the Holy Spirit. This divine power is transformative and enables us to fulfill our mission as witnesses of Jesus Christ. [11:30]

- Seeing with the Eyes of the Heart: We are encouraged to see beyond the visible facts and perceive the truth with the eyes of our heart. This spiritual vision allows us to recognize God's grace, love, and power at work in our lives and the world. It is through this perspective that we can truly understand the significance of the ascension and the power of the Holy Spirit. [14:36]

- Living Boldly and Fearlessly: As followers of Christ, we are called to live boldly and fearlessly, declaring the kingdom of God. The power of the Holy Spirit equips us to be active participants in God's story of love and redemption. We must surrender to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide and empower us to share God's love and truth with the world. [21:27]

- The Universal Gift of the Holy Spirit: The power of the Holy Spirit is not reserved for a select few but is available to every believer. Regardless of our background or abilities, we all have access to this divine power. It is a gift from God that enables us to live out our faith and fulfill our mission as witnesses of Jesus Christ. [25:00]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Hymns for the Elderly
- [01:36] - Scripture Reading: Acts 1:8-11
- [02:41] - The Importance of Ascension
- [03:35] - The Power of Prayer
- [04:41] - Ephesians 1:18-23
- [06:40] - Christ's Victory Over Evil
- [07:50] - Our God Reigns
- [08:39] - The Reality of God's Reign
- [09:35] - Christ's Rule Here and Now
- [10:33] - Empowerment of Christians
- [11:30] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
- [12:51] - Understanding God's Power
- [14:36] - Seeing with the Eyes of the Heart
- [17:57] - The Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit
- [21:27] - Living Boldly and Fearlessly
- [25:00] - The Universal Gift of the Holy Spirit

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 1:8-11
- Ephesians 1:18-23

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Observation Questions:

1. What event is described in Acts 1:8-11, and what promise is given to the disciples? [01:36]
2. According to Ephesians 1:18-23, what is the significance of Christ being seated at the right hand of God? [04:41]
3. How does the story of the tavern owner and the church illustrate the power of prayer? [03:35]
4. What are the four Greek words for power mentioned in the sermon, and what do they signify? [12:51]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the ascension of Jesus challenge believers to affirm that "our God reigns" despite the chaos in the world? [07:50]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the power of the Holy Spirit is transformative for believers? [17:57]
3. How does seeing with the "eyes of the heart" differ from seeing with our physical eyes, according to the sermon? [14:36]
4. What does it mean for believers to be "active participants" in God's story of love and redemption? [21:27]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to believe that "our God reigns" in the midst of personal or global chaos. How can the truth of the ascension strengthen your faith in such times? [08:39]
2. The sermon emphasizes the empowerment of believers through the Holy Spirit. How can you actively seek and rely on this power in your daily life? [11:30]
3. Consider the concept of seeing with the "eyes of the heart." How can you practice this spiritual vision in your interactions with others this week? [14:36]
4. The sermon calls for living boldly and fearlessly. What specific steps can you take to declare the kingdom of God in your community? [21:27]
5. How can you surrender more fully to the Holy Spirit's leading in your life, and what might be holding you back from doing so? [25:00]
6. Identify a situation where you can be a witness of Jesus Christ. What practical actions can you take to share God's love and truth in that context? [21:27]
7. Reflect on the universal gift of the Holy Spirit. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to embrace and utilize this divine power? [25:00]

Devotional

Day 1: Christ's Ascension: A Triumph Over Evil
The ascension of Jesus Christ is a profound event that signifies His ultimate victory over evil and His sovereign reign over all powers and authorities. This event is often overshadowed by the crucifixion and resurrection, yet it holds immense significance for believers. The ascension assures us that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, reigning supreme despite the chaos and suffering in the world. It challenges us to affirm that "our God reigns" even amidst turmoil, testing the depth of our faith and calling us to trust in Christ's rule in the present moment. [06:40]

Ephesians 1:20-21 (ESV): "That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to see Christ's reign? How can you actively remind yourself of His sovereignty today?


Day 2: Empowered by the Spirit for Mission
The ascension is not only about Christ's empowerment but also about empowering us as His followers. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to us through the Holy Spirit. This divine power is transformative, enabling us to fulfill our mission as witnesses of Jesus Christ. It is not for personal gain but for the purpose of spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. As believers, we are called to embrace this power and allow it to work through us, transforming our lives and the lives of those around us. [11:30]

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: How can you use the power of the Holy Spirit to impact someone in your community this week?


Day 3: Spiritual Vision: Seeing with the Eyes of the Heart
We are encouraged to see beyond the visible facts and perceive the truth with the eyes of our heart. This spiritual vision allows us to recognize God's grace, love, and power at work in our lives and the world. It is through this perspective that we can truly understand the significance of the ascension and the power of the Holy Spirit. By seeing with the eyes of our heart, we are able to discern God's presence and activity in the midst of life's challenges, leading us to a deeper faith and trust in Him. [14:36]

Ephesians 1:18 (ESV): "Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."

Reflection: What is one situation in your life where you need to see with the eyes of your heart? How can you ask God to help you see His truth in this situation?


Day 4: Bold and Fearless Living in Christ
As followers of Christ, we are called to live boldly and fearlessly, declaring the kingdom of God. The power of the Holy Spirit equips us to be active participants in God's story of love and redemption. We must surrender to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide and empower us to share God's love and truth with the world. This boldness is not about being reckless but about having the courage to stand firm in our faith and proclaim the gospel with confidence and love. [21:27]

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Reflection: What is one area where you feel hesitant to live out your faith boldly? What steps can you take to overcome this fear with the Holy Spirit's help?


Day 5: The Universal Gift of the Holy Spirit
The power of the Holy Spirit is not reserved for a select few but is available to every believer. Regardless of our background or abilities, we all have access to this divine power. It is a gift from God that enables us to live out our faith and fulfill our mission as witnesses of Jesus Christ. This universal gift calls us to unity and purpose, reminding us that we are all part of God's plan and equipped to contribute to His kingdom work. [25:00]

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."

Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts and abilities to serve others and contribute to God's kingdom this week?

Quotes

The story is told of a man who got a permit to open the first tavern in a small town. The members of the local church were strongly opposed to having this bar open up in their town. So they began to pray that God would intervene. And a few days before the tavern was scheduled to open, lightning hit the structure and it burnt to the ground. [00:03:14] (32 seconds)


At the conclusion of the preliminary hearing, the judge wryly remarked, at this point I don't know what my decision will be, but it seems that the tavern owner believes in the power of prayer. And these church people don't. Power of God. Do we believe in the power of God? [00:04:06] (30 seconds)


But if the crucifixion is the event where Christ defeated the power of sin, and the resurrection is the event where Christ defeated the power of death, then the ascension is the event where Christ defeated the power of evil. The ascension is the final act of God's triumph over the devil, over all the forces that oppose God. [00:06:22] (28 seconds)


Notice Paul says Christ was seated far above all things. All rule, authority, power and dominion. Those words rule, authority, power and dominion were the names the Jews gave to the demonic forces that opposed God. And it's precisely those spiritual powers, Paul says, that Christ defeated through his ascension, through his exaltation. [00:07:15] (35 seconds)


Well, the simple answer is they could see it. They could. They could. They could see the power of Christ in all things because the power was living in them. They were experiencing that power in their own lives. From the ascension, for them the ascension was not only about empowerment of Christ, but also the empowerment of Christians. [00:10:43] (35 seconds)


In Ephesians, when Paul describes the meaning of the ascension, he prays. He says it already, but I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead. [00:11:45] (33 seconds)


The power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us. This is the bit where I have to be a bit more careful. In the original Greek, he strings together in quick succession four Greek words for power. The first, dynamis, God's explosive power. The word from which we get dynamite. Energia, which refers to God's never-ending energy. [00:12:20] (45 seconds)


All these things are only facts because facts are all these eyes can see the eyes of the heart see truth the truth about the mountains is their great beauty the truth about my son is that he's so precious that without a moment's hesitation I would sacrifice my life for his should the need arise the truth about our age is that every day we find just the right amount of strength and grace to carry us through the day the truth is that God's grace is sufficient for us and you know the truth about this church with its amazing diversity of people is that for reasons only known to God it's absolutely full of love and holiness and power [00:16:02] (63 seconds)


When Christ ascended the world changed God's power was released upon the church and we must not overlook the power it activates within each one of us this power is not mere human power in strength or ability it's divine it's supernatural it's transformative it's the power of the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus and poured out on his followers after the ascension power comes directly from God through the Holy Spirit in Acts we read that the disciples were instructed to wait in Jerusalem until they received that power it was not a power they could generate or earn it was a gift freely given by God the disciples' role was to wait to be open and to be ready to receive and that power that Holy Spirit not just for those early disciples is for us today as followers of Christ we too have been given the Holy Spirit [00:18:17] (86 seconds)


It's the power of God the power of the Holy Spirit in us that will enable us to see that vision fulfilled and it's not for our own gain or glory the power was given for a specific mission to be witnesses of Jesus Christ C .S. Lewis once said God whispers to us in our pleasures speaks to us in our conscience but shouts in our pains it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world [00:20:43] (43 seconds)


The power of God is not just for a select few it's for every believer no one here is excluded no one here is excluded if you are a believer in Jesus regardless of our background our abilities, our past, our training or anything else we all have access to the Holy Spirit [00:22:55] (28 seconds)


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Transcript
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