Dig Deeper - Sunday 25th May 2025

Sermon Reflection Questions - Ascension Day

Acts 1:1-11

Dig Deeper notes from Sunday 25th May service:

This week, on Thursday, we celebrate the day that the resurrected Jesus returned to his rightful place in Heaven.

For forty days since Easter, Jesus has been appearing before His disciples and other people, helping to guide them. But now it is time for Him to return to His rightful place and be seated at the right hand of His Father.

However, before Jesus left the Earth, He gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to all those people who believed in Him. This wonderful gift that we all get to ensure that we are never alone on Earth.

In John 16:7 Jesus says to His disciples:

“It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the advocate (that is the Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”

Jesus instructed his disciples to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit before continuing any ministry. During times in our lives, we too will have to demonstrate patience in order to wait, but we do this in the knowledge that God’s plan for us is priority.

We have been gifted the most precious gift, and it isn’t for us to keep to ourselves. It is not one that will run out through overuse. We are told by Jesus to go out and make disciples. To continue His work so that every person on Earth can take their rightful place in Heaven with Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

1.   Have we ever had the most special gift and been too scared to use it in anyway or get it out of the box?

2.      Jesus’ ascension back into Heaven demonstrates His divine authority. By gifting us the Holy Spirit, what does this tell us about His love for us?

3.      How can we be witnesses of Jesus in and around the community of Walmley?

4.   What does cheerful giving look like in practice?

5.   How embarrassing would it be if you were to meet Jesus unexpectedly and He asked to see your bank statement?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we are so thankful that you gifted us the Holy Spirit to help lead and shape our lives. As we reflect on the day Jesus returned to His rightful place in Heaven, we pray that as we continue to grow as disciples of Christ, we are able to fulfil the mission of Jesus on this Earth and that everyone will get to know your love, power and glory.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.