Dear Beloved Church Family,

One of the worst parts of my July 13th accident has not necessarily been the unrelenting pain, the inability to run, drive and move like Superman, but the continued sleepless nights. Many of you have probably experienced those nights when sleep never comes and nothing really helps to pass the time. Meditating on the Ascension and the present work of Jesus Christ has been a huge help to me personally.

The Biblical teaching of the Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ has captured my attention over the last two years. And the more we read through the New Testament Epistles and even the Old Testament, often a reference to the Ascension can be found. It is fascinating to realize how this event, the Lord Jesus being received back into heaven to the right hand of the Father as King, completely changed the Apostles! Especially following the sending of the Holy Spirit given on the day of Pentecost, the Apostles’ fear was turned into holy boldness. How do you explain the radical change in Peter? You can’t, except to point to the indwelling Holy Spirit and the living confidence that Christ Jesus is on the throne ruling and reigning. (I recently heard a Bible teacher from Ligonier Ministries refer to Ephesians as the manual on the Ascension and I think he’s spot on!)

I’ve read over Colossians 3:1-4 many times and have tried to soak in these glorious Ascension facts:

1. The Lord Jesus having defeated sin, death, and Satan is now in Heaven seated at the right hand of God = full and sovereign power.
2. He is watching over me, interceding for me, serving as my advocate. He knows what I’m going through and perhaps even custom designed this time of pain!
3. My life is hidden with Him.
4. He is coming back visibly and physically.
5. We will be with Him and revealed in His glory.
6. He is good, gentle and can be trusted.
7. We, like the Apostles, can experience bold victory!

I think Dr. Cohen has some upcoming written Sunday School material further dealing with the Ascension.

More later!

Pastor Dave Sutter

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