The Ascension of Jesus is the Christian belief that Jesus bodily ascended into heaven forty days after his resurrection. He personally ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives, near Bethany. This signifies the completion of His ministry, His seating at the right hand of the heavenly throne, and the promise of His Second Coming. Moreover, it stands as a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith. It is a momentous truth proclaiming that Jesus’s earthly ministry has reached its conclusion, that He has been exalted to the right hand of God, and that His reign as King has commenced—thereby paving the way for the descent of the Holy Spirit to descend.

Acts 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

Luke is the writer of Acts. Treatise in the Bible refers to “former treatise,” which detailed the life and teachings of Jesus from his birth to his ascension. Gospel of Luke.

The name Theophilus means “Lover of God” Theophilus is a person we do not know much about. This highlights the fact that for one who loves God, there is no need for titles, positions, or claims of authority.  God records everything each person’s labors and devotion, as well as their pride and wicked deeds exactly as they are. What can we gather from Theophilus?

Are you a lover of Jesus?  If so, how do you express that love?

Theophilus was a person of rank, perhaps a Roman officer who might have been converted to the Christian faith. Theophilus was likely a new believer needing reassurance in his Christian faith. Luke aimed to clarify for him. Another possibility is that Theophilus was a wealthy and influential man in the city of Antioch. There are second-century references to a man named Theophilus who was “a great lord” and a leader in the city of Antioch during the time of Luke.

Such a man would fit the description, as many scholars believe that Theophilus could have been a wealthy benefactor who supported Paul and Luke on their missionary journeys. That would explain Luke’s account for wanting to provide an orderly and detailed account of what had happened to Theophilus.

What can you do for Jesus?

What the books of Acts continues to teach us today. As it will in the future. Did you know that the book has no formal ending…Acts 28:28-31.  That is why we might be in the next few chapters writings about ourselves and our missions that we have completed for God. Remember Jesus said to his disciples and us that we would do greater things than He did. This is written for the expansion of the Gospel message, and the word, the expansion of the Church and the expansion of the His people’s faith.

Acts 1:2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

Luke aimed to clarify what Jesus taught his disciples to Theophilus. So, he begins to tell him about the Holy Ghost that Jesus left with the apostles upon His ascension to God the father. Luke also says that the apostles whom Jesus had chosen. God has chosen us as well to complete certain tasks He has called each one of us to do.

Are you listening? What is He telling you to do? Whatever it is, He will enable you to do it. Amen!

Acts 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

The apostles were showed by Jesus for forty days after his death before his ascension the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Knowledge, they needed to fulfill their missions. Amen!

Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

Jesus commanded the apostles that they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the promise of the God the Father. Jesus said I told you of this. You know that Jesus sometimes wants us to wait. We wait on His timing and not ours, right? However, one Peter was impatient. Like some of us, right? He start making decisions before Jesus showed up. Maybe because he had denied Jesus three times before his death. Remember Peter had the disciples cast lot on Matthais to replace Judas. It is always best to wait on the Lord! Do not get ahead of him or you out walk the light of His guidance and end up in darkness.

Those whom Jesus has chosen are designated as apostles. Those who follow Jesus are called disciples. Please recognize the significant distinction between an apostle and a disciple. Obedience is better than sacrifice.

Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Jesus was trying to tell them of the gift of the Holy Spirit which God the Father was about to give to them. He describes it a baptism. When we baptize in the Baptist Church we do by full emersion. Under the water- symbolizing we identify with Jesus’ death, Coming out – risen to newness of life, leaving a changed person. All sins washed away. Ready to do serious work for Jesus the Son, God the Father, to be lead by the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Acts 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

When Jesus arrives, one of the main things all disciples were concerned with was; Will you restore the Kingdom of Israel? We can observe this human desire that is interested solely in the prospect of sitting by His side. This is the reality of today, a matter of seeking greed and power.

Acts 1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Jesus said it was not for His disciples to know. As we go through life, we often face various complexities, hardships, sorrows, and trials, and we find ourselves asking many questions, longing to hear the answers. However, rather than providing immediate answers, He teaches us through time, helping us come to realize things through time, and instructs us to be thankful in all circumstances. In this way, He strengthens and bolsters our souls, and only when we are enlightened do we come to know that God is always with us.  As time passes, He works all things together for our good, and we come to understand His blessings only later—or sometimes, He does not reveal them at all.

The Bible clearly states that those who believe in Jesus, repent and confess, are saved and are promised they will receive eternal life a life free from suffering, sorrow, and pain. Only those that are saved may enter eternal heaven, which is incomparable to the suffering of this fleeting world.

The Bible clearly states that those who do not believe in Jesus and are not saved are destined for eternal hell, where they will face suffering, pain, and unquenchable fire unlike anything experienced in this world.

The choice between heaven and hell is made right here in this life. Today could be the day for some of you. We all must make that choice by ourselves.

For those believers who are or clam to be saved we need to stay alert and vigilant to preaching and teaching of the word of God and it is for our sake to keep us on tract to God’s kingdom.

Some information remains classified as “Confidential” or “Top Secret,” disclosed only to those who possess the appropriate security clearance. Do you, in fact, stand in a position of trust before God?

God will choose whom and what He will reveal to His own. Jesus the Son of God was given a mission to come to earth and reveal the Gospel, the power, the presence of God to the apostles so that they could expand the ministry Jesus started. Now that they have gone off the scene it is the Churches responsibility to expand the ministry Jesus. The Church is here to let the world know who Jesus is and how to get back to a Holy God in His Eternal Kingdom in Heaven. Everyone, follow Jesus’ example and faithfully fulfill the mission God has entrusted to you.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

First to those who God choose who to give the Holy Spirit. Those who have a need to know to use for the purpose God has intended in their lives. In this particular purpose it was for the expansion of the Church worldwide. So that many people in different languages and countries could be saved and be brought into the kingdom of God for the work of God.

Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

This last day of Jesus’ earthly mission began with Him telling His disciples that God the Father was going to give all of them the power that God shared with Him and fill them with the mighty power of the Holy Spirit to help them and lead them.

Also, they all witnessed His ascension back to the Father in Heaven. So, they could tell the world.

Acts 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

Angels appearing let us know we are receiving a message. Three times we see angels at the birth of Jesus or His entrance to earth, angels at Jesus death, and angels at Jesus ascension or exit of earth.

Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

How do we know they were angels, the way they were dressed and there statement. White apparel, and Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?

Here is the message … This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Here is the guarantee, Jesus will return for his own people. Those He has chosen. Do you truly grasp this precious grace that He bore the full weight of sin, endured agony even to the shedding of His blood, died, rose again in victory for our sake, and ascended into heaven thereby signifying that we, too, shall be lifted up to the heavens? Therefore, remember the words: “Because your faith is lukewarm neither cold nor hot I will vomit you out of My mouth.” All of this is an act of love a desire to bring salvation to us, that is, to all of humanity.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Amen.

Today marks a new beginning! No matter who you are, you need Him right now. He desires to take charge of our lives, to cleanse and sanctify us, and to receive us as His own—as righteous and precious children. If you do not know the Lord, you need Him today! Now maybe the time!  If you pray and ask him in your life.  It shall be granted to you in this very moment!