Jesus Ascended: Why It Still Matters Today

Jesus Ascended: Why It Still Matters Today
From our Apostles’ Creed Series at Bethany Church

At Bethany, we preach the Bible. That’s our foundation. The Apostles' Creed doesn’t replace Scripture—it simply reflects core truths drawn from it. In this series, we’re using the Creed as a framework, but our real focus is the Bible and what God says through it. This week, we arrived at a phrase that might feel small—but has massive implications:
“He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.”

What Are You Worried About?
Before we unpack this phrase, let me ask: What’s been worrying you lately?
The wars in Israel and Ukraine? Natural disasters? The state of politics? Maybe it hits even closer to home—your job, finances, or your kids?
I have four young kids. I worry constantly. Am I spending enough time with them? Are they growing in their faith? Are they even brushing their teeth?
And sometimes, in all that worry, maybe you’ve asked (even silently), “God, are you even in control?”

The Bible—and the Apostles' Creed—says yes. Jesus is ruling right now, seated at the right hand of the Father. That truth changes everything.

What Scripture Says About the Ascension
The Ascension of Jesus is referenced all throughout the New Testament—Mark, Luke, Acts, and many letters. We focused on Acts 1:6–12, which tells us two major things Jesus said before He ascended:

1. You Will Be My Witnesses

“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” —Acts 1:8

Jesus gave His followers a mission. That includes us. If you're a Christian, your purpose on earth is clear: share the gospel. That’s why we’re still here. God didn’t whisk us away to heaven the moment we believed—He left us here because there’s work to be done.
We are not just spectators. We’re participants in God's redemptive work. And the mission isn’t just for pastors or missionaries. It’s for students, retirees, parents, and professionals—for all of us.

2. You Will Receive Power

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” —Acts 1:8

Jesus doesn’t leave us powerless. We have the Holy Spirit—the very presence of God within us—empowering us to live out this mission. Without Jesus ascending, the Holy Spirit wouldn’t have come (see John 16:7). So His leaving was actually to our advantage.
Think about that. We often wish we could have seen Jesus in the flesh. But He says it’s better that we have His Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, we have direct access to God anywhere, anytime. No temple required. We are now His temple. We are the Church.

What Is Jesus Doing Now?
So where is Jesus now? He’s not idle. He’s reigning. He’s interceding for us (Romans 8:34). He’s governing all creation (Colossians 1:17). He’s waiting for the right time to return (Hebrews 10:12–13).

And until then? We have a job to do.
When Jesus ascended, His disciples just stood there staring at the sky—until two angels showed up and basically said, "Why are you just standing here? Go!" (Acts 1:11). That same gentle rebuke is for us today.

But It’s Hard…
Yes, the world is still broken. Yes, bad things still happen—Stephen was stoned in Acts 7, right after seeing Jesus exalted in heaven. But God is still sovereign. He’s still working. And He’s using us to reach others.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise... but is patient... not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” —2 Peter 3:9

God hasn’t forgotten us. He’s delaying His return out of mercy—to give more people time to know Him.

Zooming Out
It can be easy to feel discouraged when we focus only on what’s going wrong. But zoom out for a moment. Did you know there are more Christians alive today than at any point in history? Christianity is growing across the globe. God is building His Church.
And yes, there’s still work to do. But you and I are part of it. That’s why the Ascension matters—it’s the moment Jesus handed His mission to us.

So, What Now?
Ask yourself:

• Who am I witnessing to?
• Who in my life needs to hear the gospel?
• Where can I build relationships that lead to spiritual conversations?

God is patient, but He’s also moving. And He’s called you to be part of it.

One Easy Step
Our upcoming Block Party is one way to take a step forward. It’s not a sermon—it’s a relationship builder. Invite someone. Show up. Start a conversation. You never know where it might lead.

Let’s stop staring into the sky and start living like Jesus is on the throne—because He is.
He has ascended. He is reigning. And we have a mission.