2008-11-23 Ronnie Stevens Acts 1:9-14

THE ASCENSION AND THE ASSEMBLY
                               Acts 1:9-14

   I.  Introduction

       A.  The Book of Acts is a Bridge

       B.  An Alliterated Outline

            1.  The Ascension    v. 9

            2.  The Angels          vv. 10-11

            3.  The Apostles       vv. 12-13

            4.  The Assembly     v. 14

 II.  The Necessity of the Ascension   v. 9

       A.  To Adjust Expectations

       B.  To Discourage Rumors

       C.  To Demonstrate the New Theological Reality

       D.  To Offer a Final Proof of Authority

1.  As a Proof of His Eternal Identity

2.  As a Pattern of His Future Return

III.  The Historicity of the Ascension

       A.  In the Emphasis on the Visual Reality    vv. 9-11

       B.  In the Sequence of Final Events

              1.  The Ascent of Jesus

2.  The Descent of the Spirit

3.  The Advent of Jesus

IV.  The Reason for the Angels   vv. 10-11

       A.  To Certify

       B.  To Clarify

 V.  The Mustering of the Host   vv. 13-14

      A.  The Extraordinary Ordinary  (Humility)   v. 13

      B.  The Discipline of Waiting Together  (Unity)   v. 14

      C.  The Opportunity of Prayer  (Priority)   v. 14