The Eighth Sunday after the Festival of the Holy Trinity
also known as the Tenth Sunday of the Pentecost Season
August 10, 2025
We Believe and Confess Through the Apostles’ Creed
We Have A Friend in High Places, Because Jesus Ascended into Heaven and Is Seated at the Right Hand of God the Father Almighty For Us
The story is told of a young minister who had just graduated from the Seminary. He’d been installed the previous Sunday, and his first worship service to lead – alone – was going to be on Ascension Day. Of course, when you’re a young pastor beginning your ministry, it can be hard to prepare sermons the first few years (not that it’s ever all that easy to do!). Well, this minister searched and he searched through all of his commentaries and seminary notes. But he was stuck. He just didn’t think he could find much to preach about….except that Jesus had ascended into heaven as was waiting there for us. So, in desperation, he called up his former homiletics (preaching/ sermonizing) professor from the Seminary and asked him for help. “What should I preach about?” he asked. The wise professor answered: “Preach about Jesus, and preach about twenty minutes.” So….in a little while you’ll hear a sermon on Jesus’ Ascension Day, maybe in twenty minutes or so.
Seriously, I promise that I have something prepared which, I pray, will be both edifying and enlightening for you. But also, in all seriousness, even for the non-novice pastor (and I have been a pastor over forty years…) it is hard to preach on the topic of Jesus’ ascension, even though we confess our belief in the ascension every time we going in saying the Apostle’s Creed, as well as the Nicene or Athanasian Creeds. We know that the Ascension occurred. In fact, there’s little controversy among Christians about whether or not it happened. But if you ask the typical Christian to explain why Jesus’ ascension is important, or meaningful, for us, your’re likely to get a blank look and a rather incomplete answer.
William Barclay, the eminent Scottish New Testament commentator once wrote that “There is no incident in the life of Jesus at one and the same time that is so beset with difficulties and yet is so essential for us as His Ascension.” Another Bible commentator wrote: “The ascension of Jesus could well be the most neglected doctrine of the church, even though it is considered one of the most important themes of the New Testament.”
So, what will we be talking about, singing about, and listening about in this morning’s service as we continue our worship and sermon series on the truths we believe and confess through the Apostles’ Creed? I promise what you’ll hear is something significant about Jesus and His ministry for us….but something that’s not necessarily the easiest Biblical message to contemplate or to preach about. Why is that? Because, in large part (and this is just one preacher’s opinion), it has to do with the fact that none of us has gone into heaven yet…that place to which Christ was returning on the day of the Ascension. How can you understand His ascension into heaven if (as we do) we know so very little about what heaven is like?
This morning we’re going to look at some of the things we do know from Scripture about Jesus’ ascension. Let’s spend this time considering what God’s Word has to say on this important topic, in order to find both spiritual encouragement as well as added enlightenment of our Biblical knowledge, and – of course – also for the edification of our faith.
Ascension Facts From Scripture
According to Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51, Acts 1:2, and I Corinthians 15:1-6, Jesus appeared to many of His disciples throughout a period of 40 days that followed His resurrection. On that 40th day, He appeared to His Apostles and other followers one more time. On this occasion Jesus led them out of Jerusalem and up onto the Mount of Olives, near Bethany. Jesus proceeded to deliver a brief farewell message to the disciples, after which, as He lifted up His nail-scarred hands in blessing, His body began to miraculously rise into the air until a cloud shielded Him from their sight. Imagine what those disciples of Jesus must have been thinking in that moment!
Jesus’ ascension was an amazing, yet very fitting end (and exclamation point) to His earthly ministry! This morning we’re going to celebrate our Lord’s ascension because it assures us that His work of redemption truly is completed. It also teaches us of our Lord’s triumphant homecoming re-entry into heaven and of His continuing ministry for our benefit as our King of Kings and Lord of Lords, seated at the Father’s right hand. Finally, it ought to remind us that – as He once came to earth and then left on Ascension Day, Jesus will also return a second time, when He will judge the world. You and I have no idea – nor does anyone else, including the angels in heaven – when that day will come. (It could be before this morning’s service concludes!). And so, forewarned and encouraged by our Savior, we’ll surely want to remain faithful to Him and to be Spiritually prepared, now and at all times, for His return.
The Significance of Christ’s Ascension For Us
It remains a sad reality in the life of the Church today that the major Christian festivals of the Epiphany (January 6) and the Ascension of our Lord (always on a Thursday, 40 days after Easter) generally receive minor consideration on the Church’s calendar, mainly because Ascension certainly and Epiphany usually fall on a weekday, rather than on our customary day of meeting, Sunday. The festival of the Ascension marks the climax of Christ’s visible ministry on earth and is recognized as the “official completion” of His redemptive work. As such it provides us with the assurance that our salvation is certain through faith in what He achieved for us. It can also serve as an important reminder to the Church of our responsibility, before Christ’s return on Judgment Day, to be busy with the work that our Savior has given us to spread the light of the Gospel throughout the world for the salvation of souls everywhere.
In addition, we want to recognize on the occasion of His ascension, along with Christ’s descent into hell and His resurrection, is another stage in His “Exaltation” (the progressive re-assuming of His divine power and glory which He partially laid aside when He came to earth as the God-man). More importantly, it marks the entrance of our Savior, according to His human nature, into a greater and fuller mode of existence beyond the confines of space and time; an existence of complete power and authority over all things at the “right hand of God the Father Almighty.” This authority Christ exercises for the benefit of His Church. In heaven He also serves as our Great High Priest, being the “Mediator” between us and our Heavenly Father. One final remark is yet in order….Christ’s “sitting on the right hand of God the Father” does not mean that He is confined to a certain place, far from us. Quite to the contrary, no longer bound by time or space, through His ascension into glory Christ is now able to be present everywhere and at all times for all who are a part of His Church — including you and me.
Today’s Scripture Lessons
This morning’s First Lesson is the Bible’s “expanded account” of Jesus’ ascension, given to us under inspiration by the evangelist Luke in the book of Acts.
This morning’s Epistle Lesson talks about the comfort we gain through Christ’s Ascension, knowing that our Savior is in heaven, continually interceding for us and our needs, and yet he also remains constantly with us, watching over us in His Omnipresence, using His almighty power to benefit and bless us.
Our Gospel Lesson for this morning comes from the final chapter of the Gospel of Mark. We find Jesus first commissioning His Apostles (and, eventually, all the Church….including us) to actively go out into the world and preach His Gospel of salvation to everyone. Christ also tells them that they will be empowered to perform amazing miracles as a way of attracting attention in order to facilitate the preaching of His Word. Then Jesus takes them out to a high mountain and visibly ascends into heaven – leaving His followers behind to carry out His commission (and their calling as His disciples) to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world.
Today’s Children’s Lesson is based on Luke’s “shorter” account of Jesus’ ascension, from the Gospel of the same name. We’ll consider today the hands of Jesus that were raised to bless His disciples that day…..and which still bless us today because He is our Ascended Lord.
And finally, our Sermon for today is based on 5 different NT passages that, taken together, offer us a number of important insights into Jesus’ Ascension and its significance for our faith. Our theme is: We Have A Friend in High Places, Because Jesus Has Ascended into Heaven and Is Seated at the Right Hand of God the Father Almighty For Us.
Pre-Service Prayer –
In the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
My heavenly Father, I thank You through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, for keeping me through this day from all harm and danger. Forgive me all my sins, wherever I have done wrong, and graciously keep me through this night. Into Your hands I commend my body and soul and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, so that the devil may have no power over me. Amen.
Silent Prayer upon entering the sanctuary
Pre-service music
We Praise Our God
the Congregation will rise for the invocation
The Invocation
Pastor We begin this service in the name of the Father
Congregation Who gave us our lives through His almighty power.
P: And in the name of the Son
C: Who redeemed our lives with His precious blood.
P: And in the name of the Holy Spirit
C: Who gave us eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus.
P: Amen.
The Psalm for Today selected verses of Psalms 27 and 47
P: Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me.
C: You have said, “Seek My face.” My heart says to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”
P: Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy.
C: For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared + a great King over all the earth. + He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet. + He chose our heritage for us.
P: God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
C: Sing praises to God, sing praises; + sing praises to the King, sing praises.
P: For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm.
C: God reigns over the nations; + God sits on His holy throne.
P: I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
C: Wait for the LORD; + be strong and let your heart take courage + wait for the LORD.
after which the Congregation will be seated for
The Opening Hymn Hymn 171 “A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing”
1 A hymn of glory let us sing!
New songs throughout the world shall ring:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Christ, by a road before untrod,
Ascends unto the throne of God.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
2 The holy apostolic band Upon the Mount of Olives stand,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
And with his followers they see
Their Lord ascend in majesty.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
3 To them the shining angels cry, “Why stand and gaze upon the sky?”
Alleluia! Alleluia!
“This is the Savior,” thus they say.
“This is his glorious triumph day.”
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
(The Congregation will rise for the singing of verse 4.)
4 “You see him now, ascending high Up to the portals of the sky.”
Alleluia! Alleluia!
“Hereafter Jesus you shall see Returning in great majesty.”
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
Pastor God, our Heavenly Father, invites us to come into His presence and to worship Him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us now turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His forgiveness for all our sins.
Congregation Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed You in my thoughts, words, and actions; I have done what is evil in Your sight and have failed to do what is good. For this I know that I deserve Your punishment, both now and for eternity. But I am truly sorry for all my sins and, trusting in the perfect life and innocent death of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I plead: God have mercy on me, a sinner.
Pastor Our gracious Lord and Master has shown us His mercy: He has given His one and only Son to save us from all our sins. And now, carrying out my office as a called servant of Christ, and according to His command and authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May the peace of God rest upon all of you. Amen.
Our Response to God’s Grace by cwh, 2005
To the tune of “Come You Thankful People, Come”
meter: 7777D (CW 613)
God the Father, gracious Lord, May Your name be e’er adored.
All exists by Your command In the sky or sea or land.
Precious Father, You know all – When each hair and sparrow fall.
Guide and guard me from all harm With Your strong, protecting arm.
Jesus Christ, my Lord, God’s Son, Who, for me, salvation won –
You Who hung on Calvary Bore my sins and set me free!
You, my ever-faithful Friend, Who will love me to the end,
By Your grace in heav’n I’ll live. Heart-felt praise to You I give.
Holy Spirit, Light Divine, Through the Means of Grace, please shine
In my heart again today, Drive sin’s darkness far away.
Keep me in Your Word, so true, Day by day my faith renew.
Use me, Lord, as You know best Serving here – in heav’n to rest.
Blessed Holy Trinity, Glorious in Your majesty,
Father, Spirit and the Son – Savior-God, the Three-in-One –
From sin’s curse You set me free Heaven’s mine – eternally.
All I am, to You I owe, Source from Whom all blessings flow.
The Prayer for Today
O Almighty God, the King of glory, + You have exalted Your only Son Jesus Christ + with great triumph into Your heavenly Kingdom; + Do not, we pray, leave us without comfort in this world. + Please grant us Spiritual wisdom and strength + through the working of Your Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds. + Guide us through the Your Word, + and protect us as members of the Holy Christian Church on earth, + through the abiding presence and abundant power of our LORD Jesus Christ. + We ask all this in the name of Your Son, our Savior, + Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, + as the One true God, now and forever. + Amen
after which the Congregation will be seated
We Hear God’s Word
The First Lesson Acts 1:1-11
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. After His suffering, He showed Himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. So when they met together, they asked Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom of Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, Who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”
The Epistle Lesson Ephesians 1:16-23
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might 20 that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as Head over all things to the Church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all.
after which the Congregation will rise out of respect
for the words of our Savior as we give our attention to
The Gospel Lesson Mark 16:14-20
14 Later, He appeared to the Eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table. He rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after he had risen. 15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 “These signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons. They will speak in new languages. 18 They will pick up snakes. And if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them. They will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well.” 19 Then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 Those who went out preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. + And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; + Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; + Born of the Virgin Mary; + Suffered under Pontius Pilate; + Was crucified, dead and buried; + He descended into hell; + The third day He rose again from the dead; + He ascended into heaven + And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; + From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. + I believe in the Holy Ghost; + The Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; + The forgiveness of sins; + The resurrection of the body; + And the life everlasting. Amen.
After which the Congregation may be seated for
The Children’s Lesson Luke 24:50-53
50 He led them out as far as the vicinity of Bethany. He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 And while He was blessing them, He parted from them and was taken up into heaven. 52 So they worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 They were continually in the temple courts, praising and blessing God. Amen
While He was blessing them, He parted from them
The Sermon Hymn Hymn 175 “Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise”
1 Hail the day that sees him rise
To his throne above the skies!
Christ, the Lamb for sinners giv’n,
Reascends his native heav’n.
2 There the glorious triumph waits:
Lift your heads, eternal gates.
He has conquered death and sin; Take the King of glory in!
3 See, the heav’n its Lord receives,
Yet he loves the earth he leaves;
Though returning to his throne,
Still he calls mankind his own.
4 Still for us he intercedes; His prevailing death he pleads.
He, the first of all our race,
Near himself prepares a place. Amen
The Pre-Sermon Salutation
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, our Lord! Amen.
Our Sermon Text Selected Texts
Luke 24:50-52 He led them out as far as the vicinity of Bethany. He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 And while He was blessing them, He parted from them and was taken up into heaven. 52 So they worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
John 3:13 No one has ascended into heaven, except the One Who descended from heaven, the Son of Man, Who is in heaven.
Ephesians 4:10 He Who descended is the same One Who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.
Hebrews 4:14-16 14 Therefore, since we have a great High Priest, Who has gone through the heavens, namely, Jesus the Son of God, let us continue to hold on to our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One Who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin. 16 So let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
I Peter 3:22 [Jesus] He went to heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
We Have A Friend in High Places, Because Jesus Has Ascended into Heaven and Is Seated at the Right Hand of God the Father Almighty For Us
after the Sermon, the Congregation
will REMAIN SEATED for the post-sermon blessing
The Post-Sermon Blessing
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, Who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Amen.
We Offer Our Gifts to the Lord
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
We will be passing an offering plate through our chapel at this point. For those unable to worship with us in person, if you would like to participate in this offering, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) You can send a check (no cash) in the mail to Grace Lutheran Church (415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745)
2) Or, go online to our website (www.gracelutherannwa.com) and use the giving option there.
at the Pastor’s invitation the Congregation will rise for
The Prayers for the Church
P Confident of our Lord’s return, let us approach our Father’s throne of mercy on behalf of the Church and of all people……….
Lord Jesus Christ, as You ascended up through endless ranks of angels to Your home in heaven You did not leave us or forsake us. By Your Word and Sacraments, and by the sending of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, You continue to abide with us, to teach us, to enlighten us, and to strengthen us in the one true faith.
C: As we look forward to Your Second Coming, + keep us faithful in proclaiming the Law and Gospel + which is to be preached in Your name to all nations + to bring people to repentance over their sins + and to assure them of Your limitless forgiveness..
P Lord Jesus Christ, continue to bring before Your glorious Father our plea that You would continue to send upon us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we may better know You and Your will. As the Father has placed all things under Your feet and appointed You head over everything for the Church, instill peace, unity and a commitment to faithfully living and proclaiming the whole counsel of Your Word throughout all of Christendom and especially in our Synod.
C: Grant us faith to take to heart the reality of Your promised return + and so to be urgently about the task of baptizing and teaching + both in our community and to the ends of the earth.
P Lord Jesus Christ, from Your place at the right hand of the Father You continually intercede for us. Favorably hear the cries for mercy from those who are ill and those in pain – granting them wholeness and healing. We especially pray for all those persons in our immediate church family who are dealing (and in some cases struggling) with various health and other personal problems ranging from financial issues, to relationship challenges, to living alone. Grant them the assurance of your continued presence and power which is at work – always – to bless them and enrich their lives.
P: And now, please hear us, Lord, as we take a few moments to off Your our silent, personal petitions and praises.
Silent Prayer
P: Finally, as the disciples lifted their eyes to watch Your ascension, so lift our eyes daily to look for Your coming again in glory.
C: Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven + Hallowed be Thy name. + Thy Kingdom come. + Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. + Give us this day our daily bread. + And forgive us our trespasses + as we forgive those who trespass against us. + And lead us not into temptation. + But deliver us from evil. + For Thine is the kingdom + And the power + And the glory + Forever and ever. Amen.
We Conclude This Morning’s Worship Service
The Closing Blessing –
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen
The Closing Hymn Hymn 173 “On Christ’s Ascension I Now Build”
1 On Christ’s ascension I now build
The hope of mine ascension;
This hope alone has always stilled
All doubt and apprehension;
For where the head is, there as well
I know his members are to dwell
When Christ shall come and call them.
2 Oh, grant, dear Lord, this grace to me,
Recalling your ascension,
That I may serve you faithfully, Adorning your redemption;
And then, when all my days will cease,
Let me depart in joy and peace
In answer to my pleading. Amen.
Silent Prayer
Announcements, Post-service music