The Ascension | Holy Moments Week 2

The AscensionHoly Moments • April 24, 2022Teacher: Adam Barnett--There is no such thing as "Post-Easter!"1. Rejoice in the Resurrection2. Remember your Baptism3. Return to Spiritual Disciplines4. Reflect on the Birth of the Church5. Reach out to your NeighborGeorge Weigel"The disciples, a group of first-century nobodies, must have been baffled, skeptical, and even frightful about what had happened to their former teacher and what could have happened to them."Luke  24:36-43 NIVWhile they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.Rudolph Bultmann"Typical encounters with the recently deceased do not issue in claims about an empty tomb, nor do they lead to the founding of a new religion. And they certainly do not typically eat and drink, and they are not seen by crowds of up to 500 people, I'm sure of it."John 21:25 NIVJesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have the room for the books that would be written.Luke 24:50-53 NIVWhen he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.1. The ascension is Jesus' enthronement as King.Daniel 7:13-14 NIV"In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.Our King is not only risen, but reigning and returning!2. The ascension makes Christ supreme over our enemies.Ephesians 1:18-23 NIVI 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, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ 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 name that is invoked, 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.3. The ascension paves our way to the Father.John 14:2-4 NIVMy Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place. for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."4. The ascension released the Holy Spirit into the world.Joel 2:28 NIV"I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh."