Looking into the Sky
June 2, 2019 Series: Eastertide 2019
Topic: Ascension Scripture: Acts 1:1–11
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Ascension Day can be a complicated day to celebrate, for two reasons:
- It highlights the tension that the followers of Jesus Christ live with. On one hand, we have our minds on things above, and we look forward to the day when Christ will return in power and glory. On the other hand, we are called to do the practical work of building God's Kingdom in this world, at this time. Striking a good balance in this is a difficult thing to do, and it requires wisdom and discernment.
- Unlike other holy days like Christmas or Easter, it can be difficult to see why we should celebrate the day Jesus left us. However, as the writers of the Heidelberg Catechism pointed out, there are three benefits to the ascension: (a) Jesus is our advocate in heaven, interceding for us before God, (b) the prescence of Jesus before God in his body gives us assurance that we, too, will one day stand before God in our bodies, and (c) Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit from heaven, to encourage and strengthen us.
To see this sermon in the context of the larger entire worship service, please open this bulletin.
More in Eastertide 2019
June 16, 2019
God’s HomeJune 9, 2019
The Spirit of AdoptionMay 26, 2019
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