The Ascension

The Ascension

By Richard Smith

5-4-25

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

1. Does anyone have a testimony to share from this week of how biblical lament has been applied either to your own personal hurts or the suffering of someone else you are seeking to help?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

2. Read Acts 1:3-14 as a group and discuss your initial observations of the text.

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

3. How does the concept of ‘waiting on God’ challenge our modern desire for instant gratification, and in what areas of your life might God be calling you to wait patiently?

4. In what ways might we be tempted, like the disciples in verses 6-7, to focus on our own expectations of God’s kingdom rather than His broader plan?

5. Look together at Christ’s promise to Mary Magdalene in John 20:17. How does Christ’s ascension increase the closeness he has with his followers and strengthen the power of his ministry?

6. The sermon states “we cannot do spiritual work without spiritual power.” How have you experienced the need for the Holy Spirit’s power in your own life or ministry?

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

7. All over Acts, the powerful works of the church are preceded by prayer. How do you need to adjust the priority of prayer in your own life to be involved in the church’s powerful works today?

8. What does it mean for us today to be ‘witnesses’ for Christ ‘to the ends of the earth’, and how can we fulfill this calling in our current context?