From a sermon on Acts 1:1-14
What did Jesus do in the 40 days between his resurrection and his ascension? Luke opens the book of Acts with that question, and his answer gives us three foundations for our Christian life.
1. Jesus is risen
- The proof was undeniable. For 40 days Jesus appeared to his followers. He walked with two travelers, appeared to frightened disciples, restored Peter, and spoke about their future work.
- It was not a ghost. He said, “Look, it is I myself. Touch me and see.” He was the same person who was crucified.
- It is the foundation of our faith. Every belief grows from the resurrection.
- It made witnesses out of the disciples. They had spent three and a half years with Jesus, watched him die, and seen him buried. Then he stood before them alive.
- Without it, Jesus is just another religious leader who did some miracles.
- He is the resurrection. He did not say “I can resurrect.” When we unite with Christ, the resurrection becomes ours too.
- It is for now, not just the future. We are living a resurrected life today.
- It gives strength in suffering. Resurrection is a joyful, victorious message, and knowing its power keeps us moving forward.
2. Jesus is King
- He taught the kingdom for three and a half years, and again for 40 days after the resurrection.
- The kingdom is not just a place. It is God’s authority and rule over his people.
- It is not a democracy. A king has all authority, and no one talks back to him.
- Imagine God ruling the world: no murder, no stealing, only peace and clear direction.
- That is why we pray “Your kingdom come”: your rule over my life, my home, my studies, my future.
- It begins when sins are forgiven and we move out of the satanic kingdom into God’s. Its marks are righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
- The church is the community where Christ rules.
3. Jesus is coming again
- The disciples stood staring at the sky, perhaps crying and unsure what came next.
- The angels said this is not the end of the story. The kingdom is not yet fully established, and eternal life is still ahead.
- The same Jesus returns. The one we preach, talk about, and pray to every day is the one who is coming back.
- Our faith is built on hope. When he returns, his glory and authority will be revealed, and the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord.
- If we are not looking forward to his coming, we are on the wrong track.
The takeaway
- Christ is risen. His resurrection life is ours.
- Christ is King. His kingdom rules in us.
- Christ is coming again. We look forward to seeing him face to face.
We cannot compromise on these.
Something to ask yourself: can you say, honestly, that Jesus is the king of your life? If not, we are making false declarations.
