In this sermon, I discussed the ascension of Jesus into heaven and the promise He left for us. I emphasized the power and authority that Jesus has given to us, as stated in Matthew 16:19. This power is not just earthly but also heavenly, and it is given to us to bind and loose things on earth as it is in heaven. This authority is not just for spiritual matters but also for physical, emotional, and mental aspects of our lives. We are encouraged to exercise this authority with faith, knowing that whatever we bind or loose on earth is bound or loosed in heaven.

Key Takeaways:
- Jesus ascended into heaven and will return in the same manner (Acts 1:11).
- Jesus has given us the keys to the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19).
- We have been given the authority to bind and loose things on earth as it is in heaven.
- This authority covers not just spiritual matters but also physical, emotional, and mental aspects of our lives.
- We are encouraged to exercise this authority with faith, knowing that whatever we bind or loose on earth is bound or loosed in heaven ([03:45]).

Bible Passages:
1. Acts 1:11
2. Matthew 16:19
3. Matthew 28:18-20

Key Points from the sermon:
1. Jesus' ascension into heaven signifies His divine authority and power.
2. Believers are given the keys to the kingdom of heaven, symbolizing authority and responsibility.
3. The authority given to believers is not just earthly but also heavenly.

Observation Questions:
1. What does Acts 1:11 tell us about Jesus' return?
2. What authority is given to believers according to Matthew 16:19?
3. What is the Great Commission as stated in Matthew 28:18-20?

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Jesus' ascension into heaven signify according to Acts 1:11?
2. How should believers exercise the authority given to them as stated in Matthew 16:19?
3. What does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 mean for believers today?

Application Questions:
1. How can we prepare for Jesus' return as mentioned in Acts 1:11?
2. How can we exercise the authority given to us in our daily lives as stated in Matthew 16:19?
3. How can we fulfill the Great Commission in our communities as commanded in Matthew 28:18-20?

Day 1: The Ascension of Jesus

The ascension of Jesus is a pivotal moment in the Christian faith. It marks the end of Jesus' earthly ministry and the beginning of His heavenly reign. This transition is not a separation, but rather a shift in how Jesus interacts with us. Even when we feel distant from God, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus is still present and active in our lives, now from His heavenly throne.

Acts 1:9-11 - "After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.'"

Reflection: Reflect on the last time you felt distant from God. How does understanding Jesus' ascension as a transition from His earthly ministry to His heavenly reign help you in those moments of perceived distance?

Day 2: The Power of the Keys of the Kingdom

Jesus gave His followers the keys of the kingdom, a symbol of authority and responsibility. These keys represent our ability to make decisions that uphold God's kingdom values, even when faced with difficult situations.

Matthew 16:19 - "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Reflection: Can you recall a situation where you had to make a decision that involved upholding God's kingdom values? How did you use the 'keys of the kingdom' in that situation?

Day 3: The Interconnectedness of Heaven and Earth

The Bible teaches us that heaven and earth are not separate entities, but rather interconnected parts of God's creation. This understanding can influence our daily decisions and actions, reminding us that what we do on earth has eternal significance.

Matthew 6:10 - "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

Reflection: How does your understanding of the interconnectedness of heaven and earth influence your daily decisions and actions? Can you think of a specific example where this understanding made a difference?

Day 4: The Promise of Jesus' Return

The promise of Jesus' return is a source of hope and encouragement for Christians. It reminds us that our current struggles and challenges are temporary, and that a day is coming when Jesus will return to establish His eternal kingdom.

John 14:3 - "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

Reflection: How does the promise of Jesus' return shape your perspective on current struggles or challenges? Can you think of a situation where this promise provided you with hope and encouragement?

Day 5: The Responsibility of Kingdom Authority

As followers of Jesus, we have been given authority in His kingdom. This is not a power to be taken lightly, but a responsibility to be exercised with wisdom and humility, always seeking to reflect God's will and uphold His kingdom values.

Luke 10:19 - "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you had to exercise your kingdom authority. How did you ensure you were using this authority in a way that reflected God's will and upheld His kingdom values?

1. "Into heaven, this is Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, also shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go to heaven." - 03:45
2. "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven." - 03:45
3. "Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven." - 03:45
4. "And whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." - 03:45
5. "The power of heaven is within our reach, through faith and obedience." - 03:45

Of your enemies, it means the Lord knows that the enemy is there, but He wants you to put your mind on what He has meant for you.

Put your mind on the place of your strength.

Your strength is not what the enemy is doing; it's your strength.

Don't look at the enemy; look at the devil.

Don't look at the watch.