Jesus Ascended to God
Jesus is alive and with God, with profound implications for the way we live and approach God.
Paul Bramsen emphasizes the agreement between the Qur'an and the Bible regarding the ascension of Jesus, highlighting that both texts affirm Jesus is alive and presently with God. The sermon delves into the profound implications of Jesus' current state on how believers should live and approach God, emphasizing the significance of Jesus' presence with God. The vivid details of Jesus' ascension in the Bible are explored, showcasing the moment when Jesus was taken up into heaven before the disciples' eyes, promising to return in the same way. This truth of Jesus' current existence with God serves as a powerful reminder of His ongoing presence and authority in believers' lives.
Text
Where is Jesus now? The Qur'an has an answer. (Sura 3:55; 4:158) God took Jesus out of this world to be with him. The Bible concurs and gives in vivid detail how the ascension took place:
"On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' So when they met together, they asked him, 'Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them: 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.' After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.' " (Acts 1:4-11)
In another place we read:
"After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God." (Mark 16:19)
Both the Qur'an and the Bible agree that Jesus is very much alive and is presently with God. This has profound implications for the way we live and how we approach God. Jesus is alive and with God. What does this mean for you?
Sermon Outline
- I. Introduction to the Ascension of Jesus
- A. The Qur'an's account of Jesus' ascension
- B. The Bible's account of Jesus' ascension in Acts 1:4-11
- II. The Ascension in the Bible
- A. Jesus' command to wait for the Holy Spirit
- B. The promise of power and witness
- C. The ascension and the promise of Jesus' return
- III. Implications of Jesus' Ascension
- A. Jesus is alive and with God
- B. The significance of Jesus' ascension for our lives
Key Quotes
“God took Jesus out of this world to be with him.” — Paul Bramsen
“This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” — Paul Bramsen
“Jesus is alive and with God.” — Paul Bramsen
Application Points
- We should live with the knowledge that Jesus is alive and with God, and approach God with reverence and awe.
- We should be empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses of Jesus to the ends of the earth.
- We should look forward to Jesus' return in the same way he was taken up into heaven.