1. What the Ascension Signifies

A. The Completion of Jesus' Work on Earth

My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work. — Jn 4:34

It is finished. —Jn 19:30

B. The Cessation of Jesus' Limitations on Earth

Jesus prayed to the Father, acknowledging that he had brought glory to the Father on Earth by completing the work entrusted to Him. Jesus then humbly asked the Father to bring him back to the glory they shared even before the world existed. — Jn 17:4-5

Jesus became the perfect God-Man.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. — Jn 1:14

I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. — Jn 20:17b

C. The Return of Our Master and King

9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were watching, and a cloud took Him up, out of their sight. 10 And as they were gazing into the sky while He was going, then behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them, 11 and they said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." — Acts 1:9-11

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II. What the Ascension Means to Us Personally

A. We Have A Place Prepared For Us

2 There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this was not so, would I have told you that I a, going to prepare a place for you? 3 When every is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going. — Jn 14:2-4

How should we live while we are on earth?

1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honour at God's right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. — Col 3:1-4

And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. — Mt 28:20b

B. We Have the Holy Spirit Within Us

But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. — Jn 16:7

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.— Jn 14:26

Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot live our Christian life to the fullest.

We must intentionally cultivate a Spirit-guided lifestyle.

C. We Have the Five-fold Gifts to Build the Church

8 That is why the Scriptures say, "When he ascended to the heights, he … gave gifts to his people." 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the Church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his workand build up the Church, the body of Christ. — Eph 4:8, 11-12

"Equipping" in Greek

• Preparing
• Training
• Perfecting

As believers, we must …

• Be willing to undergo training and equipping
• Be united and work in synergy with others in the body of Christ

Each of us has a role to play in God's Kingdom.

Be part of what God has intended for the Church.

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Challenge

1. Live with Eternity in Mind

• Fix our eyes on Jesus and surrender our worries, fears, and anxieties to Him.
• Live with eternity in mind and set our minds on things in heaven as we await the return of our Saviour and King.

2. Depend on The Holy Spirit

• Rely on the Holy Spirit to lead, direct, empower, help, and bring us success as we navigate through life's challenges
• Commune with the Holy Spirit; yield to His promptings and guidance

3. Exercise God's Gifts

• Step out in faith, acknowledging the work the Holy Spirit is doing in our lives, and making full use of the varied gifts and talents given to us through the five-fold ministry gifts
• Align with God's purposes and engage with building the body of Christ.