Ascension Day Service – When Jesus Ascended Into Heaven
Acts 1: 1-12 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which [a]He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many [b]infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. 4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be [c]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey.
On Ascension Day, the congregation was reminded of the great significance of the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. The message focused on the complete work of Christ: His birth, crucifixion, resurrection, and finally His Ascension into heaven. While many people celebrate occasions like Christmas without understanding their true meaning, believers are called to remember that Jesus came to save humanity from sin and to bring full salvation.
The sermon emphasised that Jesus did not remain in the grave, but rose victoriously over death, the grave, and satan himself. His ascension was the final proclamation of His victory and a confirmation that He reigns with all authority in heaven and on earth. Unlike any earthly leader or religious figure, Jesus conquered sin and evil completely, and His followers are called to live in that victory.
Before ascending, Jesus instructed His disciples to continue the work He had started. He commissioned them to proclaim the Gospel in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This command was not only for the first disciples, but also for every believer today. The Gospel must begin at home, among those who know us best, through lives that reflect Christ in speech, conduct, love, and obedience.
A central theme of the message was the promise and power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus commanded His disciples to wait expectantly for the Holy Spirit, who would equip them with power to overcome sin, fear, and spiritual defeat. The Christian faith is not powerless or theoretical, but a living faith marked by the working of God’s Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, believers receive courage, strength, boldness, and victory to stand for truth and to witness for Christ.
The congregation was challenged to examine whether they are truly living in the power of the Holy Spirit or merely following religion outwardly. Believers were encouraged not to become spiritually complacent or defeated, but to seek God earnestly through prayer and obedience. Prayer was described as a vital source of strength, where believers receive help and guidance from the Lord.
The message also pointed forward to the return of Jesus Christ. Just as the disciples witnessed Him ascending into heaven, He will one day return in glory, and every eye will see Him. This serves both as a warning and a hope. Those who rejected Him will face regret, while those who faithfully followed Him will rejoice at His coming.
The service concluded with an encouragement to respond obediently to God’s calling. The promise that Jesus gave His disciples remains true today: “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Believers were urged to trust this promise, walk in obedience, and allow God to use them through the power of the Holy Spirit for the advancement of His kingdom.
