SERMON NOTES:  

What’s the Story?

Acts 1:1-14 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
Acts 2 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God,

In the ascension Jesus is exalted to the “right hand of God”- a position of immense power and authority!  The other amazing thing is what the Ascension meant to Jesus followers and early Christianity!

Why does it matter?

·       Jesus is present in heaven with those already there while also interceding for us!

Romans 8 Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

·       Jesus ascension made room for the Holy Spirit to come in fullness 10 days later - Pentecost!

·       Most importantly He now “reigns with power and authority” for us and through us who believe.

Ephesians 1:18-23 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Ephesians 2:4-7 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace,

Ascension Application

·       Surrender! “I now bring my whole self under the authority, rule, dominion of my Lord Jesus Christ!”

·       Advance!   “In Jesus name I now bring the authority, rule and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ over myself, my family, my Kingdom and my domain specifically…….
and against Satan and every force of evil that is coming against me today! In Jesus Name!

“Surrender to Jesus - Advance in His Name!”

Study Guide

Solitude, Scripture & Prayer 

Find a quiet place and 15 minutes.

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone.  Take some deep breaths… Just be… … …Ask, “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word!”

Scripture – Read slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there!  (Sermon notes may help with understanding, but don’t stop there.)

Keep asking, “Jesus, what are You saying?  Why this word this day?

What are You asking me to believe about You and about me? 

How do I join You today on Your mission and in my transformation?”

Prayer – Let your conversation with God flow from what He is saying then talk about what you notice is on your heart and also on your list.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God

The readings this week will help us grasp the story and tremendous effect of the Ascension of Jesus!

Monday – Acts 1:1-4

Tuesday – Philippians 2:5-11

Wednesday – Ephesians 1:15-23

Thursday – Ephesians 2:1-10

Friday – Romans 8:31-39

Saturday – 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

Got questions?  Continue the discussion.  Follow the link @  https://goo.gl/Jd93J7