I open my mouth and pant,

longing for your commands.

Psalm 119:131

Dr. Paul

Dr. Luke

The Gospel of LukeThe Book of Acts

The Apostles’ Creed

He ascended into Heaven and is seated on the right hand of

God the Father Almighty.

Acts 1:1-2In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.

Acts 1:3After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.

Acts 1:9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

Acts 1:1In my former book, Theophilus, I

wrote about all that Jesus beganto do and to teach. . .

Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and

gave up his spirit.

John 19:10

Mark 10:45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Hebrews 10:12But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.

Two powerful realities that flow from the ascension of Jesus Christ

1. Heaven is a real place!

Realities that flow from the Ascension

Take time reflecting on the truth that Heaven is a REAL PLACE!

Read Revelation 21-22. Also check out Deeper blog for more

resources.

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1. Heaven is a real place!

Realities that flow from the Ascension

2. From “day one” of entering Heaven, Jesus continued His work!

1. Jesus opened the door to God’s throne room, giving us any-time access to God the Father Almighty!

Hebrews 4:14, 16Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess . . . Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

1. Jesus opened the door to God’s throne room, giving us any-time access to God the Father Almighty!

2. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit whom He promised to send!

John 16:7But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

Acts 1:8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

1. Jesus opened the door to God’s throne room, giving us any-time access to God the Father Almighty!

2. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit whom He promised to send!

1. Jesus continues to work His plan!

Ephesians 1:18-19I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength

Ephesians 1:20-21he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Ephesians 1:22-23And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Matthew 16:18b. . . I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

1. Jesus continues to work His plan (which includes building his Church)!

2. Jesus continues to intercede and advocate for us!

Romans 8:34Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

1 John 2:1My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

John Piper

“Christ is our attorney and his portfolio is his

propitiation . . .”

John Piper

“But if we cannot claim to live sinless lives, then the only thing that can

keep us from despairing before a holy God is that we have an advocate in heaven and he pleads

our case not on the basis of our perfection but of

his propitiation.”

1. Jesus continues to work His plan!

2. Jesus continues to intercede and advocate for us!

3. Jesus continues to prepare a place for us!

John 14:2-3My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

To help you understand the immense value and incredible wonder of this doctrine of the ascension of Christ.

Write a thank you letter to God for all that Jesus is currently doing

for you: working his plan, interceding and advocating, and

preparing a place.

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Lord’s Day Readings #19(Questions #50-52)

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Next Sunday: The Return of the King!