Hola,
Here’s today’s sermon. if it ministered to you let me know.
Ascension Sunday: Launched from a table
[Act 1:3-11 NLT] 3 During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. 4 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, "Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?" 7 He replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!"
* Christ's ascension is a pivotal event in the life of Jesus and the early church.
* It marked the conclusion of Jesus' earthly ministry and His return to the Father.
* The ascension validated Jesus' claims of divinity and affirmed His victory over sin and death.
* It established Jesus' ongoing role as the intercessor and mediator between God and humanity.
* The ascension provides hope and assurance of our future resurrection and eternal life with Christ.
We have to read the bible thematically and cinematically with first first-century eyes and 21st-century questions.
Remember I tell you to sit, soak and saturate yourself in the stories of the bible with the overarching theme
The Bible describes how God reigns, saves, and satisfies through covenant for his glory in Christ. - Theologian Andy Nasselli
The Bible contains four major themes: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration.These four themes provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the overarching narrative of the Bible and God's redemptive plan for humanity.
All this pointing to what’s called the Eternal purpose of God:
God's eternal purpose encompasses the preeminence of Christ,extending the fellowship of the Trinity to mankind, bearing God's image, ruling over creation,
* Desiring a family for the Father
* A bride for His Son
* Temple for the Spirit to permanently dwell.
* The Ascension of Jesus took place at a meal.
* The ancient world had courtyards and flat roofs where they would eat.
* Most tables were low to the ground and people ate with their fingers or spoons.
* Jesus' ascension signifies His victory over sin and death.
* He intercedes for us from His heavenly throne.
* The table stories and rituals play a significant role in our faith journey.
Application:
* Remember Christ will return
* Embrace the power of storytelling and table fellowship in building our identity as followers of Christ.
* Let us cultivate an atmosphere of inclusivity, warmth, and open dialogue around the table in our faith communities.
* From the birth in a humble feeding trough to the ascension from the table, Jesus' story invites us to gather, celebrate, and find healing in His presence
Closing
As we reflect on the glorious ascension of Jesus, let us remember the transformative power of table fellowship, storytelling, and the intercession of Christ. May we bring back the table, celebrate His presence, and embrace His healing for ourselves and the world.
Book Suggestions:
Jesus Now: Link
Open these pages and discover what the Lord Jesus Christ is doing now and how it will impact your life.
From Tablet to Table: Where Community Is Found and Identity Is Formed by Len Sweet: Link
From Tablet to Table invites readers to explore the importance of The Table in biblical theology, and what it might mean for us to bring back the table to our homes, our churches, and our neighborhoods
If you’re like… dude, that was an informative 17 min sermon and what to buy me like 10 cups of coffee, then go ahead :)
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BGpy6TM
