I Believe in the Ascension
Summary
In this message, Pastor Erica explores the meaning and power of Jesus’ ascension—an often-overlooked but essential part of the gospel story. Using The Lion King as an illustration of remembering one’s true identity, she connects Mufasa’s “remember who you are” to our call to remember who we are in Christ. Through Scripture, particularly Ephesians 2, she explains that when Jesus ascended, we were raised and seated with Him in the heavenly realms. This means we are held securely by Christ, empowered by His Spirit, and invited to live from a posture of hope rather than fear or shame. The ascension is not a distant event—it defines our identity, confidence, and daily access to the Father through the risen King.
Key Points
1. The Ascension activates our new reality — Jesus’ return to the Father unleashed the Holy Spirit and established our position with Him in heaven.
2. We are seated and held with Christ — Ephesians 2:6 reveals that believers are already spiritually united with Christ’s reign.
3. Our true identity is secure — We are no longer defined by shame, sin, or fear, but by being loved and held by the Savior.
4. Hope transcends circumstance — The ascension gives believers confidence that present troubles do not define our lives or future.
5. Jesus’ kingship brings peace and purpose — Knowing He reigns allows us to live courageously and carry His grace into the world.
Discussion Questions
1. What does it mean to you personally that you are “seated with Christ in the heavenly realms”? How might that truth reshape the way you see your circumstances?
2. How does the image of being “held” by Christ challenge or comfort you?
3. Why is the ascension often overlooked in the Christian story, and how can recovering its significance deepen our faith?
4. In what ways does remembering who you are in Christ help you resist the lies or accusations of the enemy?
Practical Applications
1. Spend time remembering your identity — Each morning this week, declare out loud who you are in Christ (loved, secure, forgiven, held). Let this shape your mindset before anything else.
2. Practice release — Identify one area of your life where you’re trying to maintain control. Pray and consciously release it to God’s care, trusting that He holds you securely.
3. Live from your heavenly seat — Approach one challenge or relationship this week from the posture of being seated with Christ—responding not with fear, but with the confidence and peace of His presence.
In this message, Pastor Erica explores the meaning and power of Jesus’ ascension—an often-overlooked but essential part of the gospel story. Using The Lion King as an illustration of remembering one’s true identity, she connects Mufasa’s “remember who you are” to our call to remember who we are in Christ. Through Scripture, particularly Ephesians 2, she explains that when Jesus ascended, we were raised and seated with Him in the heavenly realms. This means we are held securely by Christ, empowered by His Spirit, and invited to live from a posture of hope rather than fear or shame. The ascension is not a distant event—it defines our identity, confidence, and daily access to the Father through the risen King.
Key Points
1. The Ascension activates our new reality — Jesus’ return to the Father unleashed the Holy Spirit and established our position with Him in heaven.
2. We are seated and held with Christ — Ephesians 2:6 reveals that believers are already spiritually united with Christ’s reign.
3. Our true identity is secure — We are no longer defined by shame, sin, or fear, but by being loved and held by the Savior.
4. Hope transcends circumstance — The ascension gives believers confidence that present troubles do not define our lives or future.
5. Jesus’ kingship brings peace and purpose — Knowing He reigns allows us to live courageously and carry His grace into the world.
Discussion Questions
1. What does it mean to you personally that you are “seated with Christ in the heavenly realms”? How might that truth reshape the way you see your circumstances?
2. How does the image of being “held” by Christ challenge or comfort you?
3. Why is the ascension often overlooked in the Christian story, and how can recovering its significance deepen our faith?
4. In what ways does remembering who you are in Christ help you resist the lies or accusations of the enemy?
Practical Applications
1. Spend time remembering your identity — Each morning this week, declare out loud who you are in Christ (loved, secure, forgiven, held). Let this shape your mindset before anything else.
2. Practice release — Identify one area of your life where you’re trying to maintain control. Pray and consciously release it to God’s care, trusting that He holds you securely.
3. Live from your heavenly seat — Approach one challenge or relationship this week from the posture of being seated with Christ—responding not with fear, but with the confidence and peace of His presence.
Posted in I Believe