Point of Grace Worship 5.21.23 Sermon Notes – “Ascension Matters”

Ascension Matters

Acts 1 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “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.”

12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem …….. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

The disciples were now going to have to follow a Jesus they could not see …. but promised to be with them and for them.

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, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

In his Ascension Jesus is exalted to the right hand of God! Why does this matter?

The Ascension of Jesus inspires worship, instills confidence and empowers meaningful living in His name!

Ephesians 1 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 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.

The Ascension of Jesus inspires worship and instills confidence……. 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,

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?

Can you imagine the conversation in heaven!

The Ascension of Jesus inspires worship, instills confidence and empowers meaningful living in His name!

Ephesians 2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,…. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

If our grace-given status in the universe is “seated with Christ in the heavenly realms” then we are authorized agents of Jesus to bring Kingdom of God realities into our world – in Jesus name.

Now that is empowered to live the meaningful life Christ intends!

Prayer

Jesus, …… You are ascended and exalted to the right hand God and are worthy to receive all glory and honor, worship and praise…. I worship you …….. echoing the ancient words of St. Paul in Philippians 2

“9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

I stand in awe and bow in worship!

Jesus I now take my place in your Ascension and in Your throne…… In my baptism you granted me fullness in You and Your authority……I am seated with you in the heavenly realm….. so I now bring the authority, rule, and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ over my life, over every aspect of my living and over all my kingdom and domain. Reign Jesus ……. Reign over me

I also bring the authority, rule and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ against every work and power of evil coming against me, my family and my kingdom and domain, [You might need to name best you can—what you sense may be coming against you?] I cutoff and rebuke all forces of evil away from me and mine in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Your Kingdom Come, Jesus throughout my kingdom and domain!

Amen