039 The Ascension of Jesus Christ

How would you answer if you were asked to explain the Ascension of Christ? Some people may argue that the Ascension, while it may not be THE foundational doctrine of our faith, is one of the anchors of our faith.  

This episode is the part 5 of the 6-episode series where we study the doctrine of Christology with Pastor Jeff Cranston and Jen Denton. Today we will be talking about The Ascension of Jesus Christ.  If you missed our previous episodes, please go back and listen to episodes 35 to 38 on Christ's Deity, His Incarnation, and the Crucifixion and Resurrection.

[00:01 - 05:03] Opening Segment

• We talk about each segment’s significant role in Christ deity’s doctrine, how they are tied together, and which doctrine is perhaps the most foundational of them all.
• Pastor Jeff gives us a brief introduction of The Ascension of Christ as the anchor of our faith.

[05:04 - 11:59] The Ascension of Jesus

• Pastor Jeff talks about the anchor concept of Christ’s ascension in the Apostle’s Creed.
• The importance of the ascension based on Luke's gospel.
• The visualization of Christ’s ascension, according to His disciples.
• Pastor Jeff elaborates on what the ascension is all about and why it was necessary.

 [12:00 - 18:55] Post-Resurrection Ministry 

• Pastor Jeff talks about the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus and His ascension.
• The ascension is the beginning of trinitarian worship.
• Pastor Jeff talks about commemorating the ascension and its celebration.
• Pastor Jeff shares a fun fact about the ascension day .

[18:56 - 23:15] Closing Segment

• Pastor Jeff talks about the second coming of Jesus and its correlation with the ascension.
• Final words from Pastor Jeff and Jen.

Tweetable Quotes:

“ If Jesus had not ascended into heaven, He would not have sent the Holy Spirit to His followers ” - Pastor Jeff Cranston.

“ The second coming of Jesus is rooted in the reality of His ascension into heaven” - Pastor Jeff Cranston.

“ I find it most curious that the author of Hebrews regards the Ascension of Jesus as the anchor for our souls.” - Michael F. Bird. 

Bible Verses and Other Sources Mentioned:

• The Apostles’ Creed
•  Timothy 3:16
• 1 Petter 3:22
• Hebrew 4:14
• Luke 24:51
• Acts 1:9
• John 14 :16-17, 26
• John 15:26
• John 16:7
• What Christians Ought to Believe: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine Through the Apostles’ Creed. By Michael F. Bird 

Join the Conversation

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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!