26 Experience Sermon Series Week 1

Summary In this conversation, Tim Gillespie, Pastor Dave Ferguson, and Pastor Patty McCoy discuss their experiences and reflections on Easter weekend. They share stories of successful services, baptisms, and the impact on their congregations. They also discuss the importance of the Ascension of Christ and the need for believers to focus on the work of the kingdom rather than obsessing over the signs of the end times. The conversation highlights the power of prayer and the balance between waiting on God and taking action. The conversation explores the themes of the Ascension and the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. It discusses the Trinitarian aspect of the Ascension and the importance of waiting for the gift of the Holy Spirit. The conversation also touches on the significance of community and the work of the church in spreading the Gospel. It emphasizes the need for individuals to be actively involved in the work of the church and to believe in their calling. Keywords Easter, church service, baptisms, Ascension of Christ, kingdom work, signs of the end times, prayer, waiting on God, taking action, Ascension, Holy Spirit, Trinitarian aspect, waiting, community, work of the church, calling Takeaways Easter weekend is a significant time for churches, with many successful services and baptisms taking place. The Ascension of Christ is an often overlooked aspect of the Easter story, but it holds important theological implications. Believers should focus on the work of the kingdom and bringing heaven to earth rather than obsessing over the signs of the end times. Prayer is essential, but believers must also take action and be actively involved in the work of the kingdom. The balance between waiting on God and taking action is crucial for believers. The Ascension marks the transition from Jesus' physical presence on Earth to the universal presence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is poured out to empower believers and enable them to live in community and do the work of the church. Believers are called to actively participate in the work of the church and believe in their calling. The church should provide opportunities for individuals to use their gifts and contribute to the mission of spreading the Gospel. Titles Focusing on Kingdom Work Balancing Prayer and Action Believing in Your Calling The Trinitarian Aspect of the Ascension Sound Bites "We're so heavenly minded, we're no earthly good." "When we're so consumed with the signs of the end times and trying to figure it all out." "Why are you just standing here?" "Be leaning into the Holy Spirit in conversation with God about His movement in us and be ready to move in the end." "Jesus had to go so that the Holy Spirit could be ubiquitous and could be universal within us and around us." "I need to go so you can all receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Easter Weekend Recap 12:29 The Importance of the Ascension of Christ 15:06 Focusing on Kingdom Work 21:30 The Trinitarian Aspect of the Ascension 22:25 Waiting for the Gift of the Holy Spirit 25:29 The Importance of Community and the Work of the Church 38:50 Believing in Your Calling