NOTES: Been There, Part 5

Sermon: Been There 5: Rise Up and Walk

Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024

Text: Acts 1:1-11 

Acts 1:1–11 (ESV) 1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 

4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”  6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Let’s Connect:

Stuck? paralysis of analysis — paralysis by fear — paralysis by condemnation — 

Text Explained: 

Before Jesus ascended He descended— Been There!

Hebrews 4:15–16, 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Jesus ascended (defied physics) and was highly exalted and making intercession.

Hebrews 7:23–25 (ESV): 23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. 

Jesus ascended and fulfilled His promise of the Spirit’s power. 

Acts 1:7-8 ESV  7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

His ascension provides for our assent!

Eph. 2:6-7 6 and raised us up with him (resurrection)  and seated us (ascension) with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

In Christ: We are where He is — Now we walk in the power of the Spirit 

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 

Let’s Relate: 

We don’t pray for victory over sin, condemnation or fear, we enter into the victory Christ has established for us. 

Our Challenge: 

Defy (emotional/mental) gravity; Rise up (prayerfully visualize the Throne room of heaven) — Walk (fully commissioned and empowered witnesses).