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Home , Acts 1

The Ascension of Christ: Unstoppable (Acts 1:1-11)

April 2nd & 3rd, 2016

TEXT: Acts 1:1-11

MAIN IDEA—Christ’s ascension prepared the way for the ’s present ministry through the church and provides hope that he will come again.

1. THE EARLY CHURCH BELIEVED IN THE REALITY OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION (Acts 1:1-3a). Following His resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ made frequent appearances to the Apostles over a forty-day period, both ministering to them and providing “many convincing proofs” that He was alive. Though they never knew when Jesus would appear or disappear, scripture records their eyewitness accounts to His resurrection.

*The spiritual power of the early church and of the Christian church today depends on the reality of the resurrection. Were Jesus still dead, the church would be speechless. The very message of the Gospel involves the truth of the Resurrection (Romans 10:9; 1 Cor. 15:19).

Acts 2:32; 1 Cor. 15:1-8

2. THE EARLY CHURCH BELIEVED IN THE COMING OF CHRIST’S KINGDOM (Acts 1:3b). During these post-resurrection appearances Jesus gave orders to the Apostles and also taught them about the kingdom of God. When Jesus came preaching, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand,” the disciples thought He would kick the Romans out of power through earthly might. This wasn’t the essence of His kingdom.

The Kingdom of God is spiritual in its nature, but it affects the lives of men and women for their good and ultimately God’s glory (Rom. 14:17). When Christ reigns in a person's heart there is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 1 :9

Daniel 2:32-35

3. THE EARLY CHURCH BELIEVED IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (Acts 1:4-8). Jesus repeatedly promised that God would send His Spirit to the disciples (:16-17, 26; 15:26-27). Here in Acts 1:8, Jesus promised that they would soon receive power from the Spirit to be His witnesses, telling the truth about salvation through Christ alone.

1 Cor. 12:12, 13

*Christ is now seated at the right hand of the Father ruling from heaven, but working in His people by the power of the Spirit through the Gospel. 4. THE EARLY CHURCH BELIEVED IN THE ASSURANCE OF CHRIST’S RETURN (Acts 1:9-11). As the Apostles watched Christ ascend up into heaven, two angels appeared gently rebuking them, but at the same time giving them assurance of the blessed hope that Jesus Christ is coming again.

1 Thess. 4:16-18; Rev. 1:7-8

Matthew Henry (1622-1714)—This same Jesus, who came once in disgrace to be judged, will come again in glory to judge. When we stand gazing and trifling, the consideration of our Master's second coming should quicken and awaken us; and, when we stand gazing and trembling, the consideration of it should comfort and encourage us.

The Heidelberg Catechism of 1563: Q49—How does Christ’s ascension to heaven benefit us?

Answer—First, he pleads our cause in heaven in the presence of his Father. Second, we have our own flesh in heaven—a guarantee that Christ our head will take us, his members, to himself in heaven. Third, he sends his Spirit to us on earth as a further guarantee. By the Spirit’s power we make the goal of our lives, not earthly things, but the things above where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand.

Q52—How does Christ’s return “to judge the living and the dead” comfort you?

Answer—In all my distress and persecution I turn my eyes to the heavens and confidently await as judge the very One who has already stood trial in my place before God and so has removed the whole curse from me. All his enemies and mine he will condemn to everlasting punishment: but me and all his chosen ones he will take alone with him into the joy and the glory of heaven.

CONCLUDING THOUGHT—Place your trust in this Jesus, the living Christ! Pray for Christ’s kingdom to rule in your heart and over your situation. Record your testimony telling how you heard the Gospel and came to Christ with the goal of telling someone in the next week or two. Pray for Christ's return as a part of your daily growth in Christ.