How should you understand Jesus’ ascension into heaven?

Hello and Welcome to All Our Doings – a simple daily prayer podcast brought to you by Anglican Futures. To discover the blogs, events and practical support we also offer, please visit our website www.anglicanfutures.org We begin with Confession Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen Hear the Word of God to all who truly turn to him. Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 Today’s question from the Anglican Catechism – To be a Christian - is How should you understand Jesus’ ascension into heaven? To which the answer is given: Jesus was taken up out of human sight and returned in his humanity to the glory he had shared with the Father before his incarnation. There he intercedes for, and receives into heavenly life, all who come to him in faith. Though absent in body, Jesus is always with me by his Spirit and hears me when I pray. (John 17:5; Acts 1:9–11; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:23–25) Our Bible Reading is therefore taken from Acts chapter 1 beginning at verse 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” This is the word of the Lord The Nicene Creed We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, visible and invisible. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen Let us pray Our Father in Heaven Hallowed be your name Your kingdom come Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven Give us today our daily bread And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from the evil one For the kingdom the power and the glory are yours now and forever Amen Collects for today Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Go before us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favour, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, through your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Final Words May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Credits Thank you for listening – we hope you have found “In All Our Doings helpful, if so please like it, share it with friends and family and subscribe to the podcast – it really makes a difference to others being able to find us. We’d also love to hear your feedback so please leave a comment or contact us through our website www.anglicanfutures.org . Bible readings are taken from the English Standard Version and the Catechism ...