Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

Past weeks we have looked at Crucifixion, resurrection, resurrection appearances to Cleopas and another, 7 of the disciples especially Peter and John, Peter’s restoration and we are about at the end of the 40 days between the resurrection and Jesus’ return to the Father.

Past weeks we have looked at Crucifixion, resurrection, resurrection appearances to Cleopas and another, 7 of the disciples especially Peter and John, peter’s restoration and we are about at the end of the 40 days between the resurrection and Jesus’ return to the Father.

Why look at all of these events in detail?

God’s plans work in detail as well as broad strokes and I don’t want to miss the opportunity to find understanding in the details that we usually skip over.

We skip over because we are in a hurry to abandon this world for the new heavens and new earth, understandable but not our main assignment.

Our main assignment is to disciple nations.

With that in mind we need to know what Jesus has done and is going to do.

We need to also find the principles that will help us to minister more effectively than before.

Catching Up

Incarnation - Complete identification with humans

Incarnation - Complete identification with humans

Crucifixion - Complete payment of the price to set us free from God’s wrath

Resurrection - Demonstrated full payment of the price and God’s complete mastery over sin, death and hell.

Ascension - Visible demonstration of God’s power and plans.

The fulfillment of His plans and desire for an ongoing relationship with humans and growth of His kingdom

Ascensions

Enoch

Elijah

: 9-

Jesus

Luke 24:50-53

Key Events

Incarnation - Complete identification with humans

Crucifixion - Complete payment of the price to set us free from God’s wrath

Resurrection - Demonstrated full payment of the price and God’s complete mastery over sin, death and hell.

Ascension - Visible demonstration of God’s power and plans.

The fulfillment of His plans and desire for an ongoing relationship with humans and growth of His kingdom

Ascension Significance

Signifies end of His earthly ministry.

God the Father had lovingly sent His Son into the world at Bethlehem, and now the Son was returning to the Father.

The period of human limitation was at an end.

Demonstrates success of His earthly work.

All that He had come to do, He had accomplished.

Depicted return of His heavenly glory.

Jesus' glory had been veiled during His sojourn on earth, with one brief exception at the Transfiguration ().

Showed His exaltation by the Father ().

The One with whom the Father is well pleased () was received up in honor and given a name above all names ().

He prepares a place for us ().

Beginning of His new work as High Priest () and Mediator of the New Covenant ().

Sets the pattern for His return.

When Jesus comes to set up the Kingdom, He will return just as He left-literally, bodily, and visibly in the clouds (; ; ; ).

In Heaven

Currently, the Lord Jesus is in heaven.

The Scriptures frequently picture Him at the right hand of the Father-a position of honor and authority (; ; ).

Christ is the Head of the Church (),

Sender of the Holy Spirit ()

Giver of spiritual gifts (),

The One who fills all in all ().

Looking to Jesus

ESV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Looking to Jesus

Christ ascended to a place

Christ Exalted

Resurrection body subject to time- space limitations

Christ Exalted

Daniel 7:

Christ’s Place at God’s Right hand

Christ’s Place at God’s Right hand

Psalm 110:1

Christ’s Authority

Hebrews 1:

Dramatic evidence of the completion of Christ’s redemptive work

Daniel 7:

Significance for Us

In Father’s House

Father’s House

1 Thessalonians

Shared Authority

Ephesians 1:17-23

God’s Plan

Christ’s ascension enables us to share in His authority over the universe; partially now completely later

Send Holy Spirit

Prays for Us

Ephesians

Power for the Present

Power in Present

Reign

Resurrection

Be Imitators

Looking to Jesus

Hebrews12:1-3