Witnesses of the Risen Christ

Here is a recap of my June 8, 2025 Sermon 
​✨ Witnesses of the Risen ChristSunday Sermon — June 8, 2025
Text: Luke 24:48–53
🔹 Sermon Summary:As the Gospel of Luke comes to a close, we see the risen Jesus giving His final words to His disciples before ascending into Heaven. He doesn't abandon them—He blesses, empowers, and sends them out. This powerful scene reminds us: we are witnesses of a living Savior who still reigns, still intercedes, and still sends.
🔹 Key Highlights:

• Witnesses with a Mission
  
  • Jesus says, “Ye are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:48).
    
  • A witness isn’t just a spectator, but someone who sees, knows, and shares.
    
  • The word for witness (Greek martys) implies responsibility, and even sacrifice.
    
• Waiting with Purpose
  
  • Jesus tells His disciples to “tarry...until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).
    
  • The Holy Spirit is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for Christian living and ministry.
    
  • Sometimes, obedience means waiting for God’s timing, not rushing ahead.
    
• The Blessing at Bethany
  
  • Jesus leads them to Bethany—the place of resurrection, relationship, and prayer.
    
  • He lifts His hands in a priestly blessing as He ascends—not abandoning, but exalting.
    
  • His last act on earth was to bless, and that blessing continues today.
    
• Jesus is Not Gone—He’s Glorified
  
  • Jesus now reigns at the right hand of God, interceding for us (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25).
    
  • His ascension means our salvation is secure, and His ministry continues in Heaven.
    
• Worship Fueled by Joy
  
  • The disciples returned to Jerusalem “with great joy” (Luke 24:52).
    
  • Joy is rooted not in circumstances, but in the unshakable reign of Christ.
    
  • They didn’t stop praising—Scripture says they were continually in the temple (v. 53).
    

🔹 Three Responses for Every Believer:

1. Be a Witness
   
   • Tell others what Christ has done.
     
   • Share the truth that changed your life.
     
2. Wait for His Power
   
   • Depend daily on the Holy Spirit.
     
   • Don’t go in your own strength.
     
3. Worship with Joy
   
   • Live a lifestyle of praise.
     
   • Let worship overflow from your faith in a risen, reigning Savior.
     

🔹 Final Challenge:Christ has ascended, but the Church’s work is just beginning.
He still blesses. He still empowers. He still sends.
Now it’s our turn.
Let’s live like we’ve seen Him.
Let’s speak like we know Him.
Let’s worship like we’re waiting on Him.
Let’s go be the Church.