Last Sunday, Pastor Jason Smith preached from John 21:20-25. We learned that believing that Jesus is in control empowers us to turn from sinful comparison and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

Read: Acts 1:1-11

This Sunday, Pastor Josh Jones will preach the final message in our series: “The Risen Christ,” from Acts 1:1-11. We will consider the truth that Jesus’ calling is clear, and the outcome is certain. As you prepare for our corporate gathering, let this devotional from John MacArthur lead you to praise God, who “according to His great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

Reflect: “Christ’s Resurrection and Ascension”

“God highly exalted Him.”

Philippians 2:9

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Christ’s resurrection and ascension were the first two steps of His exaltation.

The first step on Christ’s progress from humiliation to exaltation was His resurrection. In Acts 13 Paul preached on the resurrection of Christ, declaring: “[God] raised up Jesus…. And as for the fact that He raised Him up from the dead, no more to return to decay, He has spoken in this way: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’ Therefore He also says … ‘Thou wilt not allow Thy holy one to undergo decay.’ For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid among his fathers, and underwent decay; but He whom God raised did not undergo decay. Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses” (vv. 33–39). Christ’s death and resurrection provided forgiveness and freedom from sin, the law, and death.

Acts 1:9–11 records the second step in the exaltation of Christ. After Christ finished His final instructions to His disciples, ”He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was departing, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them; and they also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.’ ” Acts 2:33 says that the result of His ascension was exaltation to the right hand of God.

Just before He ascended, Christ spoke these final words to His disciples: “You shall be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8). Until He comes again, let’s be witnesses who maintain a positive testimony for the sake of the gospel.

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Suggestions for Prayer: Praise God “who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

For Further Study: According to John 16:7, why is the ascension of Christ to your advantage?

“Christ’s Resurrection and Ascension,” December 14^th Devotional, in Strength for Today, by John MacArthur

Sing: Song List for Sunday

1. “How Great Thou Art,” Arr. Paul Baloche
2. “Holy Spirit,” by Keith & Kristyn Getty
3. “I Will Wait for You,” Arr. Shane & Shane