{"id":6547,"date":"2026-05-17T03:00:49","date_gmt":"2026-05-17T08:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.annanaz.com\/wordpress\/?post_type=ctc_sermon&#038;p=6547"},"modified":"2026-05-17T21:30:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T02:30:32","slug":"ascension-and-pentecost","status":"publish","type":"ctc_sermon","link":"http:\/\/www.annanaz.com\/wordpress\/sermons\/ascension-and-pentecost\/","title":{"rendered":"Ascension and Pentecost"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ascension and Pentecost<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Waiting in Prayer and Expectation<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Text: Acts 1:4\u201314<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, we stand between two defining moments in the life of the Church:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">The Ascension of Jesus Christ<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the disciples, this was a season of waiting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus had ascended.<br>The Spirit had not yet been poured out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet this waiting was not empty or hopeless. It was filled with:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">prayer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">obedience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">unity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">expectation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From a Nazarene perspective, this passage reminds us that God prepares His people before He empowers His people.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Church of the Nazarene has always emphasized the transforming work of the Holy Spirit\u2014not only to save us from sin, but to sanctify and empower believers for holy living and Christian service.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Doctrine Theme<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Entire Sanctification and Spirit-Filled Living<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The promise of Pentecost was not merely emotional experience.<br>It was the fulfillment of God\u2019s promise to cleanse hearts and empower holy living through the Holy Spirit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>I. The Command to Wait<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Acts 1:4\u20135<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus commanded the disciples:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDo not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The disciples were instructed to wait upon God.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This waiting demonstrated:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">surrender<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">dependence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">obedience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Nazarene theology, we understand that spiritual preparation always precedes spiritual empowerment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before Pentecost came:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">there was repentance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">there was prayer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">there was unity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">there was surrender<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nazarene Doctrine Emphasis<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Church of the Nazarene teaches that God\u2019s grace works in stages:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Prevenient Grace \u2014 God drawing us<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Saving Grace \u2014 forgiveness through Christ<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Sanctifying Grace \u2014 the Holy Spirit cleansing and empowering believers<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The disciples in Acts 1 were already believers.<br>Yet Jesus told them there was still more God desired to do through the Holy Spirit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Supporting Scripture<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Luke 24:49<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cStay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Application<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many believers today are saved, yet spiritually weary.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">God does not only want us forgiven.<br>He wants us filled.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is a deeper life of holiness and surrender available through the Holy Spirit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>II. The Promise of the Holy Spirit<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Acts 1:6\u20138<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus declared:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Meaning of Power<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Greek word is:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Dynamis<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meaning:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">divine power<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">spiritual strength<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">miraculous ability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This power was not given for personal glory.<br>It was given for:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">holy living<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">victorious Christian life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">evangelism<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">witness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nazarene Doctrine of Holiness<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Church of the Nazarene believes the Holy Spirit sanctifies believers wholly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Entire sanctification is:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">a work of God\u2019s grace<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">subsequent to salvation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">accomplished by faith<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">cleansing the heart from inward sin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">filling believers with perfect love toward God and others<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pentecost was not simply about speaking.<br>Pentecost was about transformation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fearful disciples became bold witnesses because the Holy Spirit changed them from the inside out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Supporting Scripture<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>John 14:16\u201317<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus promised:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">the Helper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">the Comforter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">the Spirit of Truth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Holy Spirit is not merely a force.<br>He is the abiding presence of God.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Application<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Holiness is not legalism.<br>Holiness is Christlikeness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Holy Spirit empowers believers to:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">love deeply<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">forgive freely<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">live purely<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">serve faithfully<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">witness boldly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>III. The Ascension Gives the Church Hope<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Acts 1:9\u201311<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus ascended into heaven before the disciples\u2019 eyes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The angels declared:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis same Jesus\u2026 will return.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nazarene Hope<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Church of the Nazarene believes in the glorious return of Jesus Christ.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Ascension reminds us:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Christ reigns now<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Christ intercedes now<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Christ will return again<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Church lives between:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Pentecost<br>and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Christ\u2019s return<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, we live:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Watchfully<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">prayerfully<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">missionally<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">holy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>IV. Waiting Together in Prayer<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Acts 1:12\u201314<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The disciples were:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cConstantly united in prayer.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before revival came, there was united prayer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before the Spirit descended, hearts were surrendered.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nazarene Emphasis on Prayer<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Historically, Nazarene people have been people of:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">prayer meetings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">altar services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">revival gatherings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Seeking holiness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Spirit-filled worship<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The altar has always represented:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">surrender<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">cleansing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">consecration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">deeper commitment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Application Questions<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Are you seeking God wholeheartedly?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Are you praying with expectation?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Are you surrendered fully to Christ?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to sanctify your heart?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>V. The Gospel Is the Foundation<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1 Corinthians 15:3\u20134<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cChrist died for our sins\u2026 He was buried\u2026 and He was raised from the dead on the third day.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Gospel is central to Nazarene doctrine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We believe:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Humanity is fallen in sin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Grace is available to all<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Christ transforms lives completely<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Message of Holiness<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Holiness is not self-improvement.<br>Holiness is the work of God\u2019s grace through the Holy Spirit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus saves us from:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">The penalty of sin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The Power of sin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">And one day the presence of sin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>I<\/strong><strong>nvitation<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, perhaps God is calling you to:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">salvation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">deeper surrender<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">entire sanctification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">renewed commitment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Spirit-filled living<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same Holy Spirit poured out at Pentecost is still working today.Come to Christ.<br>Trust Him fully.<br>Yield your heart completely.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Waiting seasons are not wasted seasons.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">God often prepares us in hidden places before He uses us publicly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The disciples waited:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">prayerfully<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">obediently<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">expectantly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">together<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And God fulfilled His promise.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Holy Spirit came with power.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, God still desires a holy people empowered by His Spirit to proclaim the Gospel to the world.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Closing Challenge<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you wait on God:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">pray fervently<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">seek holiness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">trust His promises<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">walk in obedience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">live empowered by the Spirit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not settle for shallow Christianity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">God calls His Church to holy living and Spirit-filled witness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Benediction<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">May the God of holiness sanctify you wholly.<br>May the Holy Spirit fill your life with power, purity, and peace.<br>May you walk faithfully as a witness of Jesus Christ until He comes again.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ascension and Pentecost&nbsp; Waiting in Prayer and Expectation&nbsp; Text: Acts 1:4\u201314&nbsp; Introduction Today, we stand between two defining moments in the life of the Church:&nbsp; For the disciples, this was a season of waiting.&nbsp; Jesus had ascended.The Spirit had not yet been poured out.&nbsp; Yet this waiting was not empty or hopeless. It was filled with:&nbsp; From a Nazarene perspective, this passage reminds us that God prepares His people before He empowers His people.&nbsp; The Church of the Nazarene has [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","ctc_sermon_topic":[],"ctc_sermon_book":[],"ctc_sermon_series":[],"ctc_sermon_speaker":[],"ctc_sermon_tag":[],"class_list":["post-6547","ctc_sermon","type-ctc_sermon","status-publish","hentry","ctfw-no-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.annanaz.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ctc_sermon\/6547","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.annanaz.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ctc_sermon"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.annanaz.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/ctc_sermon"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.annanaz.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.annanaz.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6547"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"http:\/\/www.annanaz.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ctc_sermon\/6547\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6616,"href":"http:\/\/www.annanaz.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ctc_sermon\/6547\/revisions\/6616"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.annanaz.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6547"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"ctc_sermon_topic","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.annanaz.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ctc_sermon_topic?post=6547"},{"taxonomy":"ctc_sermon_book","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.annanaz.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ctc_sermon_book?post=6547"},{"taxonomy":"ctc_sermon_series","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.annanaz.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ctc_sermon_series?post=6547"},{"taxonomy":"ctc_sermon_speaker","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.annanaz.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ctc_sermon_speaker?post=6547"},{"taxonomy":"ctc_sermon_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.annanaz.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ctc_sermon_tag?post=6547"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}