Prayer (5 Minutes)
- Have everyone share one thing they were thankful for in the week.
- Have everyone share one prayer request.
Song (5 Minutes)
Catechism (5 minutes)
Have everyone read aloud simultaneously or allow everyone to try to answer before revealing the answer.
Q16: What is sin?
A: Sin is rejecting or ignoring God in the world he created, not being or doing what he requires in his law. (1 John 3:4)
A: Sin is rejecting or ignoring God in the world he created, not being or doing what he requires in his law. (1 John 3:4)
Questions from: https://newcitycatechism.com/. Go there to start from beginning or to read more.
Scripture (5 Minutes)
Luke 24:44–53 (NLT)
Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ You are witnesses of all these things.
“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.
“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.
Discussion (5-10 Minutes)
You can lead through a teaching or use the following questions to start a discussion:
- What does the phrase "Messiah" mean?
- According to Jesus, what do the Scriptures say about the Messiah?
- What was Jesus doing when he ascended into heaven?
- How did the disciples respond when they watched Jesus be taken up into heaven?
Closing Prayer (3 Minutes)
From Psalm 47:5–9
King Jesus, you have ascended with shouts of joy! You reign over the nations. Teach us to sing your praises, for you are the King of all the heavens and earth. By your word and Spirit rule our hearts and minds, so that we might ascend and dwell with you forever and ever. In your name, amen.
King Jesus, you have ascended with shouts of joy! You reign over the nations. Teach us to sing your praises, for you are the King of all the heavens and earth. By your word and Spirit rule our hearts and minds, so that we might ascend and dwell with you forever and ever. In your name, amen.