The Ascension of Christ... Yes, It's Important

This Thursday is Ascension Day and this coming Sunday is Ascension Sunday if Ascension is not observed on Thursday. What is the theological significance of Christ's Ascension?

Traditionally, the exaltation of Christ encompasses four teachings which are confessed in the Nicene Creed: 1. Christ's descent into the nether world ("descended into hell," or "descended to the dead"), 2. his resurrection, 3. his ascension, and 4. his session ("sits at the right hand of the Father"). The first teaching is controversial among Protestants, the remaining three are not.

Scriptures and Prayer for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

Old Testament: Acts 17:22-31

Psalter: Psalm 66:8-20

Epistle: 1 Peter 3:13-22

Gospel: John 14:15-21
___
Living and gracious God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ you have brought us out to a spacious place where we are called to live as those redeemed. Empower us by your spirit to keep your commandments, that we may show forth your love with gentle word and reverent deed to all your people. Amen.

Saturday at the Cinema: Stop Searching for your Passion

Even in the Old Testament Whale Watching Can Be Fun

Cuba: Experiencing the Book of Acts

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, 'Brothers, what should we do?' Peter said to them, 'Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.' And Peter testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, 'Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.' So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts,praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved (Acts 2:37-42, 46-47)
___

Scriptures and Prayer for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

First Reading: Acts 7:55-60

Psalter: Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

Epistle: 1 Peter 2:2-10

Gospel: John 14:1-14
___
Risen Christ, you prepare a place for us, in your heavenly home. Draw us more deeply into yourself, through scripture read, water splashed, bread broken, wine poured, so that when our hearts are troubled, we will know you more completely as the way, the truth, and the life. Amen.

Saturday at the Cinema: If Creation is Through Christ, Evolution is What You Would Expect

Here is the full presentation, "Christ and Creation: Exploring the Paradox"

Scriptures and Prayer for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47

Psalter: Psalm 23

Epistle: 1 Peter 2:19-25

Gospel: John 10:1-10
___
Holy Shepherd, you know your sheep by name and lead us to safety through the valleys of death. Guide us by your voice, that we may walk in certainty and security to the joyous feast prepared in your house, where we celebrate with you forever. Amen.

Saturday at the Cinema: The Transformative Power of Classical Music