Ascension Day 2023

Title: "The Ascension: Our Hope and Commission"

I. Introduction

A. Opening Prayer

B. Welcoming the congregation and setting the context for Ascension Day

C. Highlighting the significance of Jesus' ascension

II. Understanding the Ascension (Acts 1:1-3)

A. Exploring the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus

B. Emphasizing the period of forty days and the teaching of the kingdom of God C. Discussing the importance of Jesus' final instructions to His disciples

III. The Promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-8)

A. Explaining the command to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit B. Discussing the power and role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers C. Encouraging the congregation to seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit

IV. The Ascension and the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:9-11)

A. Describing the scene of Jesus' ascension B. Discussing the implications of Jesus' departure for His disciples C. Highlighting the role of the disciples in continuing Jesus' mission

V. The Hope of the Ascension

A. Exploring the hope that the ascension gives us as believers B. Discussing the exaltation and reign of Christ in heaven C. Encouraging the congregation to fix their eyes on Jesus and the eternal hope we have in Him

VI. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)

A. Connecting the ascension with the Great Commission B. Discussing the responsibility of every believer to make disciples C. Encouraging the congregation to be faithful in fulfilling their mission

VII. Conclusion and Application

A. Summarizing the key points of the sermon B. Inviting the congregation to reflect on the significance of the ascension in their lives C. Offering a closing prayer