Tom Leonard - November 11, 2018
Intro to Acts: Jesus Ascends Part 2
Main Point: Because Jesus ascended, we can live in the power of the promised Spirit and witness to His resurrection! 1. Jesus’ ascension marked the completion & acceptance by God of Jesus’ work of redemption. John 4:34; 6:38 > Hebrews 1:3b ‘After He provided purification for sins, He sent down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.’ *Jesus’ finished work has brought us forgiveness and redemption. > Romans 3:24-25 >This is why Luke records Peter’s words in Acts 4:12… 2. Jesus’ ascension inaugurated the giving of the promised Spirit. verse 4. Jesus taught this in John 16:7; 14:16-20, 25-26 > *So important Jesus tells them to wait for the Spirit. Ezekiel 36:24-27; Jeremiah 31:33 > *This is the transforming of our minds and hearts we need to live and witness for Jesus! The Spirit prepares us for the works we are to do! Eph.2:10 The Spirit releases the spiritual gifts God gives to us: I Cor. 12:4-6 No longer ‘I have to do this’ > ‘I want to…’ 3. Jesus ascension marked the return of the Lord Jesus to the Father - to the Glory He had before with the Father. *Glory = full of honor, praise, worship John 14:28; 16:5;17:4-5 *We are to look forward to His return, but be focused on the Mission He’s given us!
Scripture References: Acts 1:1-11, John 3:34, John 6:38, Hebrews 1:3, Romans 3:24-25, Acts 4:12, John 16:7, John 14:16-20, John 14:20-25, Ezekiel 36:24-27, Jeremiah 31:33, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, John 14:28, John 16:5, John 17:4-5
