Lifted to Reign | Psalm 110 & Acts 1 | The Mission of the Risen King
Too often, we treat the Ascension of Jesus as a quiet conclusion to His earthly ministry. But Scripture paints a different picture. In this message, Pastor Mark walks through Acts 1:1–11 and Psalm 110 to show that the Ascension is the launch pad of Christ’s reign and the beginning of the church’s Spirit-empowered mission. The risen Christ is not distant—He is reigning now, calling us to worship, witness, and work until He returns.
Devotions: Receive Your King
Day 1: The Sovereignty of God
Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:15-20
Reflection: Today’s scripture reminds us that Christ’s sovereignty extends over all creation. As the firstborn of all creation, Jesus holds preeminence in everything, including His authority and power over the universe. His ascension into heaven and seating at the Father's right hand mark the ultimate affirmation of His divine sovereignty.
Receive Your King | Psalm 24 & Luke 24 | The Ascension
The Ascension of Christ is more than a line in a creed—it’s a vital truth that changes how we live today. This message from Psalm 24 explores the purpose and power of Jesus’ Ascension and how His ongoing reign gives us boldness and hope. Join us as we reflect on why Christ’s arrival at the right hand of the Father is good news for every believer.
Triumph | Acts 1:1–11 | Christ Ascended and Reigning
It's good when we arrive at a destination, isn't it? It's good to finally get where we're going. We're glad that we end up safely where we intend to be. Now, we don't dwell on a safe arrival with every arrival that we do because it's not that often that we travel in significant ways. I don't rejoice every time I have a safe journey to the post office or the grocery store. I don't get out of the car and go, I'm safe. I don't call my mom and say, I made it. I don't do that when I walk the some 350 odd steps over here to work every day. It's not a big deal. But when it's a long journey, it's a different story. First, there is that sense that you are done with the trip. That's the part of the arrival that we perhaps like the most. No worrying about whether or not there's a stop to our spot to stop to get food or do other things that you have to do on a trip.
Witness to the Ends of the Earth | Acts 1:1–11 | Dwell in the Word
And so, the book of Acts starts out with an introduction and then quickly moves into the ascension and this Introduction is an interesting one. We've seen on Sunday morning. We have been looking at the book Luke and we saw in Luke chapter 1, Luke started out talking about how he was writing to this Theophilus.
And so, this book of Acts is a continuation of the story that Luke has told in the Gospel of Luke. And so, what we see here is that he's looking to tell a story beyond what happened. Notice that he's talking about Jesus and what he did until he was taken up. But now he's going to be talking about something else.
Great Joy | Luke 24:44–53 | The Disciples Understood at Last
What caused the disciples to rejoice after Jesus left them? In this Ascension Sunday sermon from Luke 24:44–53, Pastor Mark Groen unpacks the joy-filled response of Jesus’ followers—not because of His absence, but because of His exaltation. The ascension is not a departure story, but an arrival story. It reveals that Jesus has taken His throne and now reigns as our risen and ascended King. This message explores how the Old Testament pointed to this moment, how the disciples became bold witnesses of the truth, and how we are called to do the same today. Let the joy of the ascension fill your heart with confidence, purpose, and praise.
He Was Lifted Up | Acts 1:1–11 | The Ascension and the Mission of the Church
In this Ascension Day sermon on Acts 1:1–11, Pastor Mark Groen calls us to remember a powerful and often overlooked truth: Jesus was lifted up in glory—not as an afterthought, but as part of God's eternal plan. The Ascension is a historical reality, a heavenly enthronement, and a future promise that Jesus will return in the same way He ascended. This message explores what the Ascension means for our confidence, our calling, and our mission as the church today.
Great Joy | Luke 24:44–53 | A Glorious Ending That Changes Everything
In this Ascension Sunday sermon on Luke 24:44–53, Pastor Mark Groen explores the often-overlooked ending to Luke’s Gospel. While the resurrection rightly receives much of our attention, the ascension of Jesus is no less important—and perhaps even more surprising. Why did the disciples rejoice when Jesus left? What does the ascension mean for us today? Drawing from Scripture and the rich teaching of the Heidelberg Catechism, this message invites us to see the ascension not as a departure but as a coronation. Jesus reigns—and because He is ascended, we have joy, assurance, and a mission.
Taken Up Before Their Eyes | Acts 1:1–11 | The Gospel Goes Forth
In this Ascension Sunday sermon from May 28, 2017, Pastor Mark Groen preaches from Acts 1:1–11, addressing the often-neglected but vital doctrine of Christ’s ascension. The message challenges believers to consider not just where Jesus is now, but why it matters. The ascension of Christ marks the continuation of God's redemptive plan as Jesus sends His Spirit and His church into the world to proclaim salvation to the ends of the earth. Rooted in scriptural clarity and theological conviction, this sermon calls the church to stay on mission: to proclaim Christ and Him crucified until He returns.
He Parted from Them | Luke 24:44–53 | The Ongoing Work of Our Ascended King
What difference does the Ascension of Jesus make? In this sermon on Luke 24:44–53, Pastor Mark Groen reflects on the forgotten significance of Ascension Sunday. With warmth and clarity, he unfolds the blessings that flow from Christ's heavenly session—His ongoing intercession, the promise of the Spirit, and the assurance of our future resurrection. The Ascension isn’t just a departure story; it’s a triumph that fills God’s people with great joy.