The Ascension Of Christ Series

I. Witnesses to all of whom Jesus is. (Not just things directly related to salvation) (v.8)

A. The same Greek word for witness is the same word used for martyr in other passages of scripture.

B. Witness to His death, burial, and resurrection.

C. Witness to all that He did to heal the lame and broken, reach out to the marginalized, be friend sinners.

D. His ascension.

E. In power, fortitude, strength, and ability.

1. The power is found in abiding in Christ.

2. When we abide in Christ, we are bearing His holiness.

F. In authority by the sending of Jesus.

G. We should not see sharing the gospel as a burden.

H. We should see this very important task Jesus left for us to do as a great honor and privilege.

I. It is also worth noting that the HS is also a witness to Jesus, His existence, miracles, resurrection, and ascension.

II. The importance of the ascension. (v.10)

A. Did the cloud actually take Him up or is this descriptive language.

1. He was likely taken up by the ministry of the angels as they show themselves to the disciples.

2. This was a public ascension.

B. Why did they continue to look up?

1. It appears that they continued to look up in an effort to continue seeing Him even after He was out of sight.

2. It was likely useless to continue to look up as the point in which Jesus could no longer be seen He was likely at the right hand of the Father.

C. Why was it important for the disciples to see Him ascend.

1. It showed that He came from heaven.

2. It showed that He is who He said He is.

3. It was a final act of miracles done in the presence of the disciples.

D. His ascension was necessary.

1. Jesus said that it was necessary for Him to go.

III. The final encouragement given to us. (v.11)

A. There was no need for them to keep looking at was a blessing to them now for it is over.

1. It was time to now look at the future and the mission ahead that the ascension played a role in providing.

2. The foundation for the mission was put into place.

B. Looking back at the ascension is something to rejoice about.

1. Rejoice at the triumph of Christ over all His enemies.

2. Rejoice at the finished work that provides salvation to all men.

3. Rejoice that we can now be sealed to redemption which we will see when Christ returns.

C. Jesus will return and do so in a way that we can recognize Him

D. Coming in the same way He left.

E. While it was a blessing to see Jesus ascend, they needed to not spend time gazing on that miracle but move forward focused on the mission until Jesus returns.

1. There are too many Christians focused on miracles far too much and spend far too little time focused on the mission of the church.

Conclusion:

The doctrine of the ascension is wrapped up in the mission for the church.