“Why Are You Still Here?” Acts 1:1–11 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:1-11 1. The Transitional Season at Gracepoint Why am I here? Because this church is precious in the eyes of the Lord. Every heart brought from death to life is a The church is Christ’s —his beloved people. The Spirit forms us into one , made up of many cultures and backgrounds. The church belongs to and exists to spread the kingdom of Jesus. The church is not The gospel doesn’t change, but the church is always: Growing Maturing Repenting Reconciling Adapting to reach the of the earth Transitional ministry is a gift because the status quo is , and the new one has not yet formed. Eight Goals of Transitional Ministry Facilitating (dealing with the past) Facilitating (everything grounded in God’s Word) Facilitating Pastoral Care Facilitating (healthy systems & operations) Facilitating Relationship Renewal Facilitating Clarity Facilitating Organizational Facilitating the search for the next lead 2. Acts 1:1–11 — A Moment of Change After the resurrection, Jesus teaches about the kingdom for forty days, then prepares the disciples for his . The disciples are comforted by Jesus’ presence— but now he is . What now? They ask: “Lord, will you at this time restore the to Israel?” (Acts 1:6) Their expectation: a political kingdom like the days of and Solomon. Jesus answers: “It is not for you to know the times… but you will receive when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (Acts 1:7–8) Then Jesus is before their eyes. The disciples stand paralyzed until two angels ask: “Why are you still ?” The gentle rebuke has two parts: This moment isn’t what you think. There is to do. 3. Why the Ascension Is Good News Jesus isn’t just going “up.” He is ascending to the . Reason 1 — The Ascended Jesus for Us He is our perfect representative. God’s posture toward his children is complete and total . Because Jesus intercedes, God’s answer to us is always an unqualified “ ” Reason 2 — The Ascended Jesus Is More , Not Less In his earthly ministry, Jesus could only be in one place at a time. After the ascension, his presence is available to , anywhere. Reason 3 — The Ascended Jesus Brings the “You will receive power…” (Acts 1:8) Kingdom power is the miracle of a heart made to Jesus. Even the “least in the kingdom” has more power available than the Baptist (Matt. 11:11). Ordinary believers, filled with the Spirit, can make an eternal difference. Example: The tattoo parlour story—ordinary believers, filled with the Spirit, faithfully witnessing. Nothing special about the shop; everything special about the . 4. The Call for Gracepoint The angels’ question echoes to us: “Why are you still here?” Translation: You have work to do. The disciples obey, the Spirit comes, and the gospel spreads to the ends of the . Gracepoint, this transitional season is not a pause in the mission. It is a moment of: Listening Healing Hoping Stepping forward together Jesus has . His Spirit is . He will use every willing heart for the glory of his name. Reflection Questions for This Week What part of the transitional season at Gracepoint excites you? What part challenges you? Where do you personally need closure, healing, or reconciliation so that you can move forward in freedom? Which of the three reasons the ascension is good news are you most encouraged by right now—Jesus’ intercession, his accessibility, or his power? Why? Where might the Holy Spirit be inviting you to stop “standing still” and start acting? Who in your life needs the hope of Jesus—and what simple step could you take this week to be a witness? How do you sense God preparing Gracepoint for the next season of ministry? What do you hope the new “status quo” will look like?