Acts 2:29-41 - "Baptized Into the Reign of Christ" (Ascension Sunday & Baptism)

LBCF Ch. 26 - The Church - Sec. 2 (Pt. 2) & 3 (Pt. 1)

Study in the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith

Hebrews 5:7-14 - "Milk, Meat, & Maturity"

How long have you been a Christian? Do these admonitions apply to you? What is the condition of your maturity? Do you need someone to go over the basics with you again? Or are you diligently applying the basics, and hungry for more? If you are hungry for more, do you see that holiness is at the centre? Do you study the priesthood of Christ, for example, in order to discern both good and evil? Or are you operating as some kind of doctrine computer? In Scripture, doctrine is practical, and high doctrine is highly practical. Those who neglect doctrine for practice become impractical. Those who neglect practice for the sake of doctrine are unskilled in righteousness. We are never to tear apart what God has joined together.

2 Timothy 1:3-9 - "A Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-Control" (Pentecost Sunday)

The same Holy Spirit which appeared at Pentecost is at work today. He has sustained and energized the Christian church through the ages, and He does so still. He provides the power to not be ashamed when the father of lies continues to bring false charges against God's elect. He stirs up the mutual self-giving love among believers. He gives a sound mind and self-control as we pursue our holy calling. As each one of us fans the flame of the gifts of the Spirit, remember that these gifts are always in service of the fruit of the Spirit. He has called us to good works from before the foundation of the world, so get to it in Pentecostal power. No fear. No shame. A holy calling. A sincere faith. Power, love, and self-control. All of it integrated together, knit together in love (Col. 2:2), as the Spirit completes the work He was sent into the world to do.

LBCF Ch. 26 - The Church - Sec. 1 & 2 (Pt. 1)

Study in the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith

Acts 2:29-41 - "Baptized Into the Reign of Christ" (Ascension Sunday & Baptism)

Ascension Day reminds us that Christ not only rose from the grave, but that having done this, He was exalted to a universal kingship far greater than His grandfather David's. Christ remains seated at the right hand of the Father until all His enemies have been made a footstool. The time between Christ's first coming and His second coming is the age of the conquest and victory of The Great Commission. Christ's most glorious way of subduing His enemies is by making them friends, as He does each time a sinner is converted. Baptism is a picture of this glorious turn of events; of Christ's kingdom being established on earth. Christian, as you leave here this morning, see to it that your efforts this week are consistent with God's will being done on earth as it is in heaven. Leave in Ascension power, Ascension confidence, and Ascension joy.