
In the Beginning
Read: Genesis 2:1-9 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished. (v. 1) One of the Bible’s best-known sentences is, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”
Do you ever feel caught between the chaos of earth and the hope of heaven? On Ascension Day, we celebrate the return of Jesus from earth to heaven. This often overlooked day on the Christian calendar reminds us that Jesus bridges the gap between earth and heaven, offering us the promise of restored communion with God. This series explores the profound significance of Christ’s ascension and its implications for our lives today.
Through this series, learn how Jesus’s ascension completes the work of salvation and initiates the restoration of heaven and earth. From the garden of Eden to the new creation in Revelation, the Bible tells the story of God’s persistent work to reunite humanity with himself. Ascension Day marks Jesus’s enthronement as our advocate in heaven and the sending of his Spirit to empower us on earth.
Each day invites you to reflect on key moments in Scripture, such as the opening of heaven to prophets, the tearing of the temple curtain, and the ultimate promise of a new heaven and earth. You’ll discover how Christ’s ascension transforms our longing for home, gives us confidence in his presence, and calls us to live as ambassadors of his kingdom.
Set aside time to celebrate the hope and power of Ascension Day. Let this journey deepen your understanding of God’s plan to unite heaven and earth and inspire you to live as a citizen of his eternal kingdom. Heaven is near, and Jesus is reigning!
Read: Genesis 2:1-9 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished. (v. 1) One of the Bible’s best-known sentences is, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”
Read: Genesis 3:8-24 The LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden. (v. 23) A common disciplinary technique used by parents and teachers is the “time-out,” in which
Read: Exodus 24:9-18 They beheld God, and ate and drank. (v. 11) I tend to be restless in worship. My mind wanders. I check my watch. After an hour, I
Read: Isaiah 6:1-10 Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips. (v. 5) When I was growing up, my family attended an annual
Read: Ezekiel 1:1-9; 25-28 The heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. (v. 1) Once when I was young, my parents announced that we were going to Baskin
Read: Matthew 4:12-17; 11:1-6 Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (4:17) One of my earliest memories was opening my first Christmas gifts.
Read: Matthew 22:1-14 The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast. (v. 2) Several New Testament passages make little sense until we understand
Read: Luke 9:27-36 When they became fully awake they saw his glory. (v. 32) The Disney film Tangled is about a lost princess who embarks on a journey to discover
Read: Matthew 27:45-54 The earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. (vv. 51-52) In the beginning, God made heaven and earth: one creation consisting of
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