Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary

Title: The Ascension
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Episode Release Date: April 27, 2025
Speaker: R.C. Sproul

Introduction

In the April 27, 2025 episode of Renewing Your Mind, R.C. Sproul delves into the profound event of The Ascension of Jesus Christ, drawing insights from the Book of Acts. This episode concludes a thematic series that began with the crucifixion of Christ and explored His journey through to His Ascension. Sproul aims to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of Christ’s mission and the Church's role in continuing His work on earth.

Setting the Scene

[00:00] R.C. Sproul:
"The mission of the Church, the reason we exist, is to bear witness to the present reign and rule of Christ, who is at the right hand of God."

Sproul emphasizes that the Church's primary purpose is to testify to Christ's sovereignty. He underscores the necessity of divine empowerment for the Church to fulfill its mission effectively.

The Disciples' Final Question

[01:43] R.C. Sproul:
"What question would you ask? Well, I'm sure each one of us would have a different question that we would have for Christ if we could see him and hear his voice this morning."

Sproul invites listeners to imagine a scenario where they could directly interact with the risen Christ, asking questions that are deeply personal and theological. He reflects on the disciples' final moments with Jesus, highlighting their persistent quest for understanding His mission.

Disciples' Question about Restoration:
"Therefore, when they had come together, they asked him, saying, lord, will you at this time, that is, will you now restore the kingdom to Israel?" [R.C. Sproul, 07:20]

The disciples, rooted in Old Testament prophecies, sought the restoration of Israel's kingdom, reflecting their expectation of a political and national Messiah.

Jesus' Response and the Great Commission

[13:45] R.C. Sproul:
"It's not for you to know the times and the seasons which the Father has put in his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. And you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Jesus redirects the disciples from temporal kingdom restoration to a spiritual mission empowered by the Holy Spirit. This directive becomes the cornerstone of the Great Commission, emphasizing global evangelism over nationalistic expectations.

Empowerment through the Holy Spirit

[16:10] R.C. Sproul:
"The mission of the Church, the reason we exist, is to bear witness to the present reign and rule of Christ, who is at the right hand of God. If you try to do it in your own power, it's as if Jesus said, you will fail. That's why I'm not going to leave you this earth-shattering task of bearing witness to me throughout the whole world... I'm going to empower you."

Sproul stresses that human effort alone is insufficient for the Church's mission. Divine empowerment through the Holy Spirit is essential for effective witness and expansion of Christ's reign.

Stories of Missionary Work and Sacrifice

Sproul shares poignant anecdotes illustrating the lengths to which missionaries go to fulfill the Great Commission:

1. Missionary in Sudan:

   • [19:30] R.C. Sproul:
     "...they have to have our guns or they won't stop shooting at us."

   This testimony highlights the dangerous conditions missionaries face and the unwavering commitment required to propagate the Gospel despite threats and violence.

2. Rachel Saint in Ecuador:

   • [21:15] R.C. Sproul:
     "Rachel Saint and the same people that killed her father... now they are part of the same church."

   Sproul recounts the transformative power of the Gospel, where former adversaries become converts and active participants in the faith, fulfilling the Great Commission's promise.

The Ascension and Its Significance

[23:50] R.C. Sproul:
"This same Jesus who has departed from you before your very eyes today will return in the same manner as he departed. He will return in glory."

Sproul describes the Ascension as Jesus' return to heaven, where He receives all authority and reigns as King of kings. He draws parallels between the Ascension and modern-day rocket launches, emphasizing the visible and awe-inspiring nature of Jesus' departure.

Call to Action: Fulfilling the Great Commission

Sproul concludes by urging believers to actively engage in the Great Commission, leveraging resources and supporting missionary work globally. He emphasizes the importance of grounding emerging churches with solid theological teachings to ensure sustainable growth and faithful witness.

Notable Quotes

• R.C. Sproul [00:00]:
  "The mission of the Church, the reason we exist, is to bear witness to the present reign and rule of Christ, who is at the right hand of God."

• R.C. Sproul [01:43]:
  "What question would you ask? Well, I'm sure each one of us would have a different question that we would have for Christ if we could see him and hear his voice this morning."

• R.C. Sproul [07:20]:
  "Therefore, when they had come together, they asked him, saying, lord, will you at this time, that is, will you now restore the kingdom to Israel?"

• R.C. Sproul [13:45]:
  "It's not for you to know the times and the seasons which the Father has put in his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you..."

• R.C. Sproul [16:10]:
  "If you try to do it in your own power, it's as if Jesus said, you will fail... I'm going to empower you."

• R.C. Sproul [19:30]:
  "...they have to have our guns or they won't stop shooting at us."

• R.C. Sproul [21:15]:
  "Rachel Saint and the same people that killed her father... now they are part of the same church."

• R.C. Sproul [23:50]:
  "This same Jesus who has departed from you before your very eyes today will return in the same manner as he departed. He will return in glory."

Conclusion

R.C. Sproul's sermon on The Ascension serves as a compelling reminder of the Church's enduring mission to witness Christ's reign globally. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, believers are called to transcend cultural and geographical barriers, embracing the Great Commission with unwavering faith and dedication. Through real-life stories and theological insights, Sproul illustrates the transformative impact of obedience to Christ's final instructions, inspiring listeners to actively participate in the expansion of His kingdom.

Additional Resources:

• Study Bibles for Africa Campaign: Supporting the distribution of over 70,000 Reformation Study Bibles to pastors, church leaders, and seminarians throughout Africa.
• Commentary on Acts by R.C. Sproul: Available as a hardcover edition for a limited time with donations.

For more information or to support these initiatives, visit renewingyourmind.org.