November 5, 2017 -- Luke 24:46-53 The Suffering Savior and Empowered Believers

Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

The Ascension

And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.

Luke 24:46-53 NKJV

Today, as every Sunday, Christians recognize Jesus Christ as the Suffering Savior Who took the punishment for sin upon Himself at the cross. Christians worship Jesus Who rose to new life and anyone who believes on His Name and worships Him receives abundant life. Sins are forgiveness in Jesus' Name. Believers renounce sin and walk in holiness. Yet while believers live sin afflicts and old patterns trip them up; but Christ endues His followers with the power of His Holy Spirit so that the hold of sin becomes weaker and the joys of serving Him become all the greater.

Join with God's people. Plan on going to church. Receive the blessing of Jesus Christ. Know the joy of gathering with fellow believers, sinners who are being changed, by the power of the Spirit, from weakness to strength in the Name of Jesus Christ unto the glory of our Father in heaven.

Praise be to Your Name, Father in heaven. By the mercies shown us in Jesus Christ You have taken ruined, lost sinners, and cleansed them so that they have become beloved sons and daughters of God. Thank You, Father in heaven, that Your Spirit guards the followers of Christ Jesus so that the raging of hell cannot win the victory against them. Thank You, mighty God, for the great blessings poured out in Jesus' Name. Let the great company of saints here on earth--wherever it is they gather, in persecution or in freedom, in house churches or in cathedrals, in secret or openly--bless You and delight in You and be strengthened by You. Build Your Church in the Name of Jesus Christ until all believers see You, face to face. Amen.