The Ascension

Over the last 2.5 years we have journeyed through the Gospels in chronological order. In them we have seen the character and nature of God in the flesh, Jesus Christ. We have seen both the judgement of God against sin and yet his grace that forgives the same. We have seen Jesus condemn the hypocrites yet have compassion for the broken and humble. We have heard the hard teachings of true discipleship yet have seen their simplicity and joy.

John 21:24–25 CSB

24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. 25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if every one of them were written down, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.

It would seem that the Gospels give us, but a glimpse of all that Jesus did while on earth. Yet we are given, it seems Jesus last words, before ascending into heaven.

Over the years, I have heard many stories of those who know they are going to die soon, give last instructions to the ones they loved.

It seems that last words, are usually something as follows: Based upon my example and witnessed, please remember the following about life.

Last words, usually are the words that people are most attentive to. because it shows in the final moments what is dear by the person that is about to pass. It shows us what a person values.

Now Jesus last words, were no different. He gave them a few instructions on what they were to do when He was not around.

Acts 1:8–11 CSB

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.”

Matthew 28:16–20 (CSB)

16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them.

17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted.

18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.

19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

I. The Promise of Power

Acts 1:8 CSB

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Matthew 28:18 CSB

18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.

As we look at this passage, I want you to consider the following question:

Can a follower of Christ be powerless?

This is relatively non-complex question, but I think it is one that in not often considered.

Why do you think we often operate as ones having no power?

A: We forget the source of the power.

Matthew 28:18 CSB

18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.

How often does our willingness to be obedient to the mission come from us being hyper-focused on our own abilities?

Can you find any examples in scripture where our abilities determine the outcome?

But how often do we feel we must rely on ourselves? How often do we allow our own insecurities to keep us from realizing the power Christ has granted us.

It’s like we skip over the fact that none of our abilities or lack of them can get the job done. The source of power and the end result has nothing to do with your natural talent, ability to recall information, eloquence of speech but the power of God.

Listen I am not an eloquent speaker. It seems I have genetic predisposition to mispronounce or stumble over my words when I get excited. It’s just a family trait, i get from my dad.

You all , don’t think I don't see you giggling in the pews when I stumble over my words, all right.

From up here I see everything......head bobbing, laughing, texting. The person unwrapping the candy with the stubborn noisy foil wrappers. yeah, that’s right I know who are.

My point is this why then is someone like me who is not an eloquent speaker able to speak to am audience?

1 Corinthians 2:1–5 CSB

1 When I came to you, brothers and sisters, announcing the mystery of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. 2 I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not be based on human wisdom but on God’s power.

God’s power works through everyday people to accomplish His eternal purposes.

God’s power ,in us, is on display when we are obedient to his mission and purpose.

Does God keep His promises?

Jesus said he has the authority and in his authority he send us out with power.

Church family I am not hear to guilt you into the mission. I’m really not. I want to encourage you into it. I want you to recognize who you are and what you are. I want you to be the best you can be. I want you to realize the impact you can have on this world. I want you to realize the fulfillment you can enjoy in Christ. I want you recognize the power of God in you. Jesus has promised you that in His authority and in His power you can take the gospel and proclaim it with both authority and power.

You don't have to be good at anything to do the work of the mission.

Thankfully He is good at everything, so you don’t have to be! Isn’t that awesome, I can be who I am in Christ, Try my best, and God will do the rest.

II. An Inconceivable Mission

How often do people dream of having an impact on this world. I’m not just talking about from a religious standpoint. There are many dreamers out there. Whether it’s starting a business that gives as much as it takes. Like Toms Shoes, or I think Newman’s own, all profits go to charities.

There are people all over the world that dream about being someone that has a profound impact on the world around them. Maybe your one of them, yet fear has kept you from action.

I am a person that doesn’t like failure. In fact, failure in anything is one of my biggest fears. Even as a teen, if i thought I might fail, I avoided trying.

But I want to remind you that if you engage in this mission, Christ mission you cannot fail. There is no failure. The only way you can fail at this mission is by not being a part of it.

So then what is this mission?

Their is One mission, but two parts.

Go - This is a simple concept, There are people that need to hear the good news. Now go and tell them

Disciple - Teaching people to obey all that Jesus has commanded us to do.

These two parts are not difficult to understand. We are to go- that is mobilize as God’s people to reach the world for Christ.

Secondly, we are to teach others or disciple them.

So my question is this, Are you doing either of these things? If I were to ask the audience today, how many of you are actively involved in the mission of Christ by discipling and evangelizing how many would be able to raise their hands?

Or better yet how many of us have truly commited our lives to this purpose?

These were Jesus last words to his disciples.

Last words, reveal to us the level of importance that the individual placed

III. It’s time to stop waiting and get moving(because He’s coming back).

Acts 1:10–11 CSB

10 While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.”