Acts 01:01-11 Basingstoke 20th May 2007 Where is Jesus Right now??
I expect you’ve seen the film, “Forrest Gump.” Where Tom Hanks plays a slow witted southern man by whose simplicity, good-heartedness, and good luck,
moves from an obscure childhood to become a millionaire shrimping tycoon.
Film takes us through the twists and turns of Forrest Gump’s life, meeting many whose problems in life contrast with the innocence of Forrest.
Remember “Lt. Dan” Gump’s glory hungry platoon leader who lost his legs in Vietnam?
He became a very bitter man. Forrest met him again several years after.
Lt. Dan cynically asks him from a wheel-chair, “So Forrest, have you found Jesus yet?” Forrest, in his southern drawl answers, “Well, Lt. Dan, I didn’t know I was supposed to be looking for him.” Lt. Dan rolls his eyes.
We might smile, but truth is we don’t literally need to find Jesus, do we? He’s not lost!
But where is He? We know He died, that He rose again…so where is Jesus now?
Question was put to a young theological student preparing for ordination.
“In our hearts.” He replies. “No! says the older man “where’s Jesus right now?”
Uncertain, the student offers another answer, “when we pray he is in our midst.” Again, came the answer, “No! Where is Jesus right now?”
The poor young man was flabbergasted and to break the tension blurts out
“I wish he were here right now!”
Elder says “Well, I don’t know what they teach in College today, but I learnt Jesus ascended into heaven & sits on the right hand of God the Father”
Last Thursday was in fact Ascension day – A day often missed because its midweek
Its importance for Christians is so often sadly overlooked!
There aren’t many days when we can go home from work and say to ourselves
I’ve finished all my work today – it’s all complete – nothing’s left over for tomorrow
But Jesus’ Ascension declares that all his work on earth was finished – It was all complete Nothing He came to do on earth was left outstanding – no pending tray outstanding
Turn with me please to Acts 1 as we look at the story of the Ascension together
1. ASCENSION ASSURES US OF A LIVING SAVIOUR
v3 says "After his suffering, Jesus showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. "
v8 tells us Jesus disciples were called to become witnesses to this living Saviour
A credible witness must have seen an event and be able to say what he’s actually seen.
It’s no good standing in Court saying "I didn’t actually see it my self but my friend did"
To be effective Witnesses the Disciples had know beyond doubt Jesus was alive.
They had to be certain Jesus really did rise again – that it wasn’t imagination!
They had to know his body wasn’t rotting in some hillside tomb
They had to be sure his body hadn’t been stolen away.
Luke tells us "Jesus gave them many convincing proofs he was alive"
If you look back at Luke 24 – you’ll see they needed a lot of convincing!
v11 Women bring news of resurrection & they didn’t believe them! Silly Nonsense!
v16 Two on Road to Emmaus didn’t recognise him when right in front of them!
v25 He rebuked them for being slow of heart – for not believing.
v38 When he appeared to the 12 he asked
"Why do doubts arise in your hearts and minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones as I have. While they still did not believe for joy and amazement, He asked, "Do you have anything to eat?" .. so they gave him broiled fish & he ate it before them.
To be His witnesses you need to know He’s not a dead Saviour but a living one!
You must first know yourself that it’s true if you’re to share it with anyone else!
Q? Let me ask you. Do you have personal experience of Jesus?
Q? Do you know from personal experience that He’s alive today?
Oh you may not physically see Him but are you convinced that He is the Son of God?
Q? Do you know that Jesus suffered on the cross and died to be your Saviour?
Q? Do you have peace with God - clear conscience knowing your past is forgiven?
Q? Have you ever stopped to ask Him to be your own Saviour?
Q? Have you asked Him to Forgive your sin - to change your life? Ask Him today!
Q? Do you know for certain that he rose from the dead - that He’s alive
Q? Do you know the presence of His life giving Spirit in your own life?
The Ascension of Jesus demonstrates Jesus has achieved all this for you
As He ascends we see the risen Chrsit returning to heaven His mission accomplished
His mission did not end up in a Palestinian grave!
His ascension and resurrection show God accepts Jesus sacrifice for us on the cross.
His ascension and Resurrection guarantee God has forgiven our sin
His ascension and Resurrection demonstrates Jesus’ work of Redemption is complete
The disciples were slow to believe it – they needed convincing. What about you?
Q? Are you convinced or is what I’m talking about just theory to you?
If you know it’s true you have something to say – a testimony to tell – a witness to bear
Our Mission is encouraged by the Ascension knowing Jesus is Our Living Saviour
2. ASCENSION PROMISES THE POWER OF GOD’S SPIRIT
v4-5 Jesus gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
In a short while they were all to be baptised with the Holy Spirit. – not just a few of them!!
Jesus had promised the Holy Spirit to them – as he leaves now they won’t be left alone!!
John 14:16 He’d said “I will ask the Father and He will give you another counsellor to be with you forever, the Spirit of Truth. He lives with you and will be IN you. I will not leave you as orphans!!!”
They were to be baptised in the Spirit - not baptism in water but baptism in the Holy Spirit.
They’ll be overwhelmed, immersed, brought under Spirit’s control and influence
"Baptism in the Spirit" in the Bible always means the initial coming of the Spirit
Jesus was not talking about subsequent blessings of further fillings
When he comes to us He takes over our lives bringing spiritual rebirth and change
When we become Christians we don’t invite Jesus into our hearts- He’s in heaven!!
But in trusting Christ as Saviour we receive His Spirit - another counsellor –
The word means “another one of the same kind” i.e the same as Jesus!
The Disciples had this clear - Peters gave clear instruction in his first sermon
Acts 2:38 Repent and be baptised everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven, and you will receive the Holy Spirit.
When you repent & turn from sin - put your faith in Christ He gives you His Holy Spirit
So much damage has been done for lack of teaching at the very start of Christian life.
When you trust Christ you receive His Spirit and all the power and resources you need!
The Holy Spirit is not a toy to amuse the Church until Christ’s return!
He is 3rd person of Godhead sent into yo0ur life to empower you to witness for Him
v8 "When the Spirit comes you will receive power to be my witnesses"
Ascension’s about Christ Ascending to make way for His Spirit to Come to Us!
Q? Have you received the Holy Spirit? Do you know His power in your life?
Q? Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to help you live the Christian life?
He won’t override your will! But if you’re open to Him He will empower you!
Some of you know the joy of collecting a brand new car from the showroom
But wouldn’t it be crazy if you took the keys then went out to the forecourt and pushed the vehicle home!! Why do such a stupid thing?
It’s got a brand new and powerful 2000cc engine - you just turn the key and drive!!
Sadly many people ignore the ""Dynamite" of God believing they can manage alone -
But we can’t! End up failing - giving up! You can’t live as a Christian in your own strength
God’s Spirit will come and empower you when you exercise FAITH & OBEDIENCE.
When it comes to bearing witness to Christ and talking about your faith in Him
Trust him to help you! Obey Him by opening your mouth
His power and energy will give you the words to speak and they will have impact
As you step out in faith and take opportunities given you his power is at work
Of course God could do it without you!! But by His grace He chooses to do it through you!
Maybe your lack of trust & reluctance to obey God is hindering your own witness right now
Maybe today you feel you’ve got very little spiritual power in you –you’re empty & dry
Listen! following the Ascension God sent His Spirit to every Christian believer
What have you done with Him? Locked him away in a box! Denied Him Access?
Have you relegated Him to some corner of your life and you hold the key tightly
You call yourself a Christian yet in practice you’re still in control of your life
You’re still running things your own way and God gets little look in.
His Spirit isn’t given any freedom in your life to move empower or influence you
You don’t need more of the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit needs more of you!
You need allow Him room to move in your life - take down the barriers
If you hand over control to Him He’ll bring you such joy, liberty, peace, gifts, power!
If you’ll only hand over control He’ll bring real spiritual change for the better - fruit appears!
If you give Him freedom you’ll be filled with the Spirit in every area he touches.
Q? So what are the locks you have put on the box? Unbelief? Disobedience? Sin?
Using the metaphor of a car - we can be like a car that stops due to grit in the carburettor. One bit of grit stops the power getting through
Same with us, one speck of disobedience, or unbelief, or sin will kill God’s power!
The key that releases the power is confession to God - Repentance from your heart.
I’ve been wrong I’m going to stop and allow the Holy Spirit to lead direct and empower me
Doctrines of the Cross and the Holy Spirit are inextricably linked
You can’t have the Holy Spirit without the work of Atonement from the Cross
You can’t have God’s Power without first experiencing God’s Forgiveness!
Ascension Assures us of the Living Saviour and Promises the Power of God’s Spirit
3. ASCENSION REMINDS US HE IS THE REIGNING LORD!
v9 After this Jesus was taken up before their very eyes and a cloud hid him from their sight.
Jesus visibly and bodily ascended into heaven –before their very eyes
What an encouragement! He was raised from death, and now exalted - lifted up to glory
The Ascension Exalts Jesus to God’s right hand – He Shares God’s throne in heaven!
His Ascension shows that He is indeed our Reigning Lord - Jesus is Lord of all!
Paul in Eph 1:20 describes it in theological terms All under his Rule!!
God raised Jesus from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
On earth Jesus couldn’t possibly fulfil these things but in heaven He can
He is supreme over every power and authority in the universe
Think what encouragement this knowledge must have brought his disciples later..
For Peter and John later in prison. For Stephen on Trial & executed, For James facing beheading, For Paul and Silas being beaten, persecuted, slandered,
For John exiled on Patmos it was so reassuring to know Jesus reigns in glory –
In everything He is the Lord and will have the final word!
In our own lives when we face defeat - all seems lost - we must remember the Ascension
When we find it hard to be a witness for Christ – and start to apologise about our faith,
When we start to get embarrassed, colour up and shut up!
Remember the Ascension! Remember Jesus is Reigning Lord – we’re on the victory side!
Numerically you may be a minority - you may be the only Christian at work or home
Our Church may only be small but Jesus is Lord of all and He reigns in glory!
Story told of Lewis’s store in Birmingham who wrote to the little Quaker meeting house behind the shop. "We wish to expand and offer to buy your site and will pay you for a new building. Name your figure and we will settle this matter as quickly as possible.
Reply came back from the Quaker meeting house.
We’ve been here longer than you have and we too wish to expand.
We offer to buy Lewis’ store. Name your price and we will settle it quickly.
Signed John Cadbury
It’s not the size of the concern that matters it’s whose signature at the bottom that counts!
We may often feel in the minority, just as those first disciples must have done
but the message of Ascension Day is we are sent out on His authority
This same reigning Lord intercedes for us – And He signs the cheques!
We can have confidence - His mission will never fail because He has Ascended!
We rejoice in the Assurance of The Living Saviour – The Promise of His Powerful Spirit - The Reminder of our Reigning Lord
4. ASCENSION GUARANTEES WE WILL SEE OUR RETURNING LORD
v10-11 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."
Jesus bodily ascension into heaven is the guarantee of His bodily return from heaven
Rather like a rail ticket – usually 2 parts. As you use the part for the outward journey
You have in your hand the other part of the ticket to be used for the return.
When? Jesus was clear in v7 that it wasn’t for them to know times and dates
But the fact he is coming again has 2 important things to say to us.
1. Incentive for us to get on and share the good news
Jesus said the gospel must be preached in every nation before he returns
The Bible says God is holding back because he wants everyone to have the opportunity of hearing and coming to repentance - never the less he will come!
Don’t stand there gazing up into the sky! Get on with the instructions!
2. Responsibility we have to fulfil our calling
The Bible says that Judgement begins with the household of God when Jesus returns
In what way will we be judged? It won’t be on whether we’re saved or not
Our Salvation is secure when we trust in Christ as Saviour
But Jesus will surely be asking us “Did you do what I told you??”
Will he be able to say to you and me "Well done good and faithful servant"
So let’s celebrate Ascension Day giving Praise to Jesus who is our Living Lord,
Giving thanks for the Promise of His Powerful Spirit
Rejoicing that He is the Reigning Lord over all that happens in our lives
And be spurred on looking forward to the day when he comes as our Returning Lord!
