1. We need to understand the strong implications of Biblical events. n Why do we know Jesus is the Son of God?

2. We need to understand the strong implications of Biblical events. n Why do we know Jesus is the Son of God? n The historical facts surrounding His resurrection are a primary reason. (Rom 1:3-4; 2 Cor 4:13-14)

3. We need to understand the strong implications of Biblical events. n (Romans 1:3-4 NKJV) concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, {4} and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

4. We need to understand the strong implications of Biblical events. n (2 Corinthians 4:13-14 NKJV) And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, {14} knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.

5. We need to understand the strong implications of Biblical events. n The other signs Jesus preformed strongly show He is the Son of God. (Acts 2:22)

6. We need to understand the strong implications of Biblical events. n (Acts 2:22 NKJV) “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know;

7. We need to understand the strong implications of Biblical events. n There is the large evidence of fulfilled prophecy as well. (Psa 22:1, 16-18)

8. We need to understand the strong implications of Biblical events. n (Psalms 22:1 NKJV) My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning?

9. We need to understand the strong implications of Biblical events. n (Psalms 22:16-18 NKJV) For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; {17} I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. {18} They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.

10. We need to understand the strong implications of Biblical events. n Sometime we might summarize these events as “the cross.” (1 Cor 1:18)

11. We need to understand the strong implications of Biblical events. n (1 Corinthians 1:18 NKJV) For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

12. We need to understand the strong implications of Biblical events. n Included in the events of the cross would be His ascension on the clouds of heaven. (1 Tim 3:16)

13. We need to understand the strong implications of Biblical events. n (1 Timothy 3:16 NKJV) And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

14. We need to understand the strong implications of Biblical events. n What if Jesus never ascended back to heaven? The entire gospel would collapse because we could not believe the New Testament. (Jn 14:26-28)

15. We need to understand the strong implications of Biblical events. n (John 14:26-28 NKJV) “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. {27} “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

16. We need to understand the strong implications of Biblical events. n {28} “You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.

17. Jesus foretold His ascension n Jesus raised the question of His ascension to unbelievers. (Jn 6:62)

18. Jesus foretold His ascension n (John 6:62 NKJV) “What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before?

19. Jesus foretold His ascension n This event would be a powerful proof of everything He had been saying about being with the Father before His birth. (Jn 8:54-58)

20. Jesus foretold His ascension n (John 8:54-58 NKJV) Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. {55} “Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word.

21. Jesus foretold His ascension n {56} “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” {57} Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” {58} Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

22. Jesus foretold His ascension n How many confess they believe this event? What should it mean to them?

23. Jesus foretold His ascension n Jesus expected His followers to clearly believe in His ascension after His resurrection but before they witness the event. (Jn 20:16-18)

24. Jesus foretold His ascension n (John 20:16-18 NKJV) Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). {17} Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’”

25. Jesus foretold His ascension n {18} Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.

26. Jesus foretold His ascension n This was to be a very difficult thing for them to grasp.

27. Jesus foretold His ascension n This was to be a very difficult thing for them to grasp. n Just as His death and resurrection was hard to accept, the ascension of Christ would give great power to His disciples.

28. Jesus foretold His ascension n Jesus taught the His ascension was essential to our salvation.

29. Jesus foretold His ascension n Jesus taught the His ascension was essential to our salvation. n Why do we have a hope of heaven? (Jn 14:2-3; Rom 8:24-25)

30. Jesus foretold His ascension n (John 14:2-3 NKJV) “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. {3} “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

31. Jesus foretold His ascension n (Romans 8:24-25 NKJV) For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? {25} But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

32. Jesus foretold His ascension n What if we had no New Testament? (Jn 16:5-12)

33. Jesus foretold His ascension n (John 16:5-12 NKJV) “But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ {6} “But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. {7} “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

34. Jesus foretold His ascension n {8} “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: {9} “of sin, because they do not believe in Me; {10} “of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; {11} “of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. {12} “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

35. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n There is only a brief reference to this event in the gospel accounts. (Mk 16:19-20; Lk 24:50-53)

36. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n (Mark 16:19-20 NKJV) So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. {20} And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

37. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n (Luke 24:50-53 NKJV) And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. {51} Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. {52} And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, {53} and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.

38. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n Here we have numerous witnesses that give credibility to the event.

39. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n Here we have numerous witnesses that give credibility to the event. n What would it have been like to be there?

40. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n Here we have numerous witnesses that give credibility to the event. n What would it have been like to be there? n The greatest detail of the viewpoint of earth is found in the book of Acts. (Acts 1:4-11)

41. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n (Acts 1:4-11 NKJV) 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.”

42. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n {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.

43. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n {8} “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be 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.

44. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n {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.”

45. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n There had been others who ascended to heaven like Enoch and Elijah, but not like Jesus did!

46. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n There had been others who ascended to heaven like Enoch and Elijah, but not like Jesus did! n The disciples no doubt were filled with wonder and fear at what would come next. Jesus was gone!

47. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n There had been others who ascended to heaven like Enoch and Elijah, but not like Jesus did! n The disciples no doubt were filled with wonder and fear at what would come next. Jesus was gone! n They could remember His promise to be “with them,” but how? (Mt 28:20)

48. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n (Matthew 28:20 NKJV) “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

49. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n They would soon have the “promise of the father” and know the answer.

50. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n They would soon have the “promise of the father” and know the answer. n The angel had to remind them “there is work to do!”

51. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n There is also a viewpoint of this event from heaven! (Dan 7:13-14)

52. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n (Daniel 7:13-14 NKJV) “I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. {14} Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.

53. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n Here we see a great scene of triumph. Jesus is like a victorious general similar to the Roman legions of old, returning home from victory with the spoils. (Psa 68:18-19; Eph 4:8-13)

54. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n (Psalms 68:18-19 NKJV) You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men, Even from the rebellious, That the LORD God might dwell there. {19} Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah

55. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n (Ephesians 4:8-13 NKJV) Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” {9} (Now this, “He ascended”; what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? {10} He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

56. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n {11} And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, {12} for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, {13} till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

57. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n Imagine the scene as Jesus approached the gates of heaven! (Psa 24:7-10)

58. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n (Psalms 24:7-10 NKJV) Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. {8} Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle. {9} Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. {10} Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah

59. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n Do we realize that Jesus gave these gifts to us so that we might work in His kingdom? (Eph 4:16)

60. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n (Ephesians 4:16 NKJV) from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

61. Two viewpoints of the clouds of ascension: Earth and Heaven n We serve a living, reigning Lord!

62. The significance of the ascension n Jesus is Lord of all.

63. The significance of the ascension n Jesus is Lord of all. n He is now at the right hand of God. (Rom 8:34)

64. The significance of the ascension n (Romans 8:34 NKJV) Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

65. The significance of the ascension n He is our absolute ruler. (Phil 2:9-11; Col 3:1-3)

66. The significance of the ascension n (Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV) Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, {10} that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, {11} and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

67. The significance of the ascension n (Colossians 3:1-3 NKJV) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. {2} Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. {3} For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

68. The significance of the ascension n Do you believe that Jesus ascended to heaven? It is folly to reject His invitation.

69. The significance of the ascension n The Bible is inspired.

70. The significance of the ascension n The Bible is inspired. n Some try to explain the writers as gullible but honest men.

71. The significance of the ascension n The Bible is inspired. n Some try to explain the writers as gullible but honest men. n How do you explain Peter’s claim? (2 Pt 1:16, 20-21)

72. The significance of the ascension n (2 Peter 1:16 NKJV) For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

73. The significance of the ascension n (2 Peter 1:20-21 NKJV) knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, {21} for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

74. The significance of the ascension n Would a man live his life for a lie and then die for it? (1 Cor 15:30-32)

75. The significance of the ascension n (1 Corinthians 15:30-32 NKJV) And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? {31} I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. {32} If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”

76. The significance of the ascension n Angels desire to look into this book. Do you? (1 Pt 1:10-12)

77. The significance of the ascension n (1 Peter 1:10-12 NKJV) Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, {11} searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.

78. The significance of the ascension n {12} To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven; things which angels desire to look into.

79. The significance of the ascension n You can trust this world delivered from our ascended Lord.

80. The significance of the ascension n Jesus is working on our behalf now.

81. The significance of the ascension n Jesus is working on our behalf now. n Jesus understands what we are experiencing. (Heb 4:15-16)

82. The significance of the ascension n (Hebrews 4:15-16 NKJV) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. {16} Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

83. The significance of the ascension n Because of this He can represent us before the Father.

84. The significance of the ascension n Have you ever needed someone to act on your behalf?

85. The significance of the ascension n Have you ever needed someone to act on your behalf? n Jesus is presently active in out forgiveness.

86. The significance of the ascension n Have you ever needed someone to act on your behalf? n Jesus is presently active in out forgiveness. n He presents His blood as our advocate. (1 Jn 2:1)

87. The significance of the ascension n (1 John 2:1 NKJV) My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

88. The significance of the ascension n He acts as our mediator. (1 Tim 2:5-6)

89. The significance of the ascension n (1 Timothy 2:5-6 NKJV) For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, {6} who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,

90. The significance of the ascension n Jesus is now our active high priest. (Heb 2:17-18; 4:14)

91. The significance of the ascension n (Hebrews 2:17-18 NKJV) Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. {18} For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

92. The significance of the ascension n (Hebrews 4:14 NKJV) Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

93. The significance of the ascension n Jesus is coming again. (Acts 1:11)

94. The significance of the ascension n (Acts 1:11 NKJV) 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.”

95. The significance of the ascension n Do you ever wonder what it was like to see what the apostles saw? You will know one day!

96. The significance of the ascension n Even the enemies of Christ will see this event. (Rev 1:7)

97. The significance of the ascension n (Revelation 1:7 NKJV) Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

98. The significance of the ascension n If these things are so, then what should our attitude be? (2 Pt 3:9-11)

99. The significance of the ascension n (2 Peter 3:9-11 NKJV) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

100. The significance of the ascension n {10} But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. {11} Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

101. The significance of the ascension n Is the ascension of Christ a foundation for your life or a curious fact?

102. The significance of the ascension n Is the ascension of Christ a foundation for your life or a curious fact? n Have you ever wanted to know of an event before its time? What a blessing to know and prepare for Christ’s return!

103. The significance of the ascension n Is the ascension of Christ a foundation for your life or a curious fact? n Have you ever wanted to know of an event before its time? What a blessing to know and prepare for Christ’s return! n There are two groups here tonight. Where are you? (2 Thess 1:7-10)

104. The significance of the ascension n (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 NKJV) and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, {8} in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

105. The significance of the ascension n {9} These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, {10} when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

106. The significance of the ascension n Jesus is here with us tonight and watching.

107. The significance of the ascension n Jesus is here with us tonight and watching. n Will you begin tonight to serve a living Lord?