1. Ascension Day Service Wednesday, May 20th 2009 By John O.H. Sihombing

2. Ascension ascend - to rise, to be lifted up

3. Why was Jesus lifted up? 1. He brought the evidence of His resurrection even though it is beyond our understanding. He was eternally raised from the dead. He will never die again.

4. Why was Jesus lifted up? “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him” Romans 6:9

5. Why was Jesus lifted up? 2. His ascension is proof that God was elevating him to a position of power and glory.

6. Why was Jesus lifted up? Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” Matthew 28:18

7. Why was Jesus lifted up? After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him John 17:1-2

8. Why was Jesus lifted up? 3. His ascension is proof of His spiritual nature and presence. Jesus is God and He lives in those who believe in Him.

9. Why was Jesus lifted up? Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. John 14:19-20

10. Why was Jesus lifted up? 4. His ascension is proof that God is One as He wants us to be one.

11. Why was Jesus lifted up? ……I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you… John 17:20