On Ascension Day, the Christian Church in Yaodu District, Linfen, Shanxi held a worship service with a sermon on a special topic.
Minister Wang Shuai delivered the sermon with the title “The Ascension and Second Coming of the Lord Jesus” based on Luke 24:44-53 and Acts 1:1-11 on May 26.
Before expanding on the scriptures, Wang first explained the premise of the Lord Jesus’ ascension: He shed his blood on the cross to complete the work of redemption, rose from the dead according to God’s will, and spoke about the kingdom of God.
Afterward, Wang used his personal experience in the memorial service as an introduction to show the congregation that death in Christ is not the end, but a new beginning. Although the flesh will perish, after a short wait, we will be taken up to enjoy eternal bliss and rest with the Lord.
In the first part of the sermon, based on Acts 1:6-9, Wang led out the theme “you should believe in the ascension of the Lord Jesus” from three perspectives: human evidence, physical evidence, and divine evidence.
Jesus was taken up before their very eyes (see Acts 1:9). Also, "......a cloud hid him......" The scripture shows that Jesus' ascension was also a miracle that happened with nature evidence. These clouds are all signs of the actual presence of God, showing the glory of God.
In the second part, the pastor explained that the purpose of Jesus' ascension is to prepare a place for us where we can live in eternity; at the same time, Christ sent the Holy Spirit to come among us, enlighten us to understand the Bible and free us from the bondage of sin.
After his ascension, Jesus gave the gift of tongues to his disciples, so that people from all countries can overcome the barriers of tongue and heart and have unity. In the time of the Tower of Babel, people sinned and God confused people's language and scattered the hearts of the people of all nations.
In the third part, based on Acts 1:8, Wang exhorted the congregation not to be too big-headed when preaching the gospel, but to start with small things they can do. In terms of content, witnessing the good name of Jesus is not just praising and boasting about God mechanically, but speaking correct and pertinent words and doing good deeds. The good character that individuals live out can also be the channel through which the gospel is preached.
In the last part, Wang explained to the congregation three characteristics necessary for a Christian who is waiting for the return of the Lord Jesus: loyalty, firmness, and patience.
- Translated by Katherine Guo
