The Ascension of Our Lord

Sermon Text: Luke 24:44-53

Other Readings: Acts 1:1-11 and Colossians 3:1-4

 

  1. How were the disciples “clothed with power from on high” (v. 49)? Do you have that same power?

 

  1. The New Testament was written in Greek, and copies of the Greek text have two different wordings for verse 47. Some say, “repentance and forgiveness of sins” will be preached. Others say, “repentance for forgiveness of sins” will be preached. What slight difference do you hear between the two? At the end of the day, what’s the general message which Jesus wants preached?

 

  1. What posture did Jesus take as he ascended? When is that posture often replicated in our worship?

 

  1. Which piece of art do you prefer? What do you prefer about it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. A key theme of ascension is that Jesus is still the Lord of the Christian church and uses his believers to carry on his work as his witnesses. How has the coronavirus shut down affected your opportunities and ways of witnessing to others?

 

 

  1. They received heavenly power when the Holy Spirit came on them at Pentecost. We have not received the same manifestation of the Holy Spirit, and he most often does not enable us to do the same displays of power the apostles did, but we do have the same power because we have received the same Spirit. Do not think you are weak! You have the power of the Holy Spirit!

 

  1. A difference is in the way repentance would be understood. “Repentance and forgiveness of sins” could be understood as repentance in the narrowest sense, i.e., turn from sins. “Repentance for forgiveness of sins” could understood as repentance in the wide, general sense, i.e., turning from unbelief to trust in God. Scripture talks about repentance in both ways, and the general point is clear: when sinners are turned to God, they have free forgiveness in the crucified, risen, and ascended Christ.

 

  1. Jesus lifted up his hands as he blessed them. At the end of the service, the Aaronic benediction is most often accompanied by the minister’s lifted hands.

 

  1. Answers will vary based on personal preference.

 

  1. Answers will vary based on personal situations. May God help us overcome the challenges and give us eyes to see the different opportunities before us!