TAKEN UP

-Luke wrote Luke and Acts

   -he went around interviewing people who were with Jesus and witnessed Jesus death

-Luke is a man who loves the Holy Spirit

-the birth of Jesus, the crucifixion of Jesus, the resurrection of Jesus

   -the resurrection is not the end, but the ascension

-during this 40days, Jesus appeared to many people

   -Jesus is alive... He appeared and ate with them!

when Jesus first told His disciples that He is leaving, they were in sorrow and grieve

-when Jesus finally left, the disciples went to Jerusalem rejoicing

-the disciples had a new level of understanding... where Jesus is going and what Jesus will be doing

   -faith that is not by sight.. they see the miracles Jesus did, but now it's a faith that is not visible

   -everything happen to God's plan, for their good

Jesus ascended to heaven... His disciples now live by faith and not by sight

the ascension

1. marks the completion of Christ's earthly work for us

what did Jesus do for us? Jesus paid the price, the atonement of our sins

-cloud in the old testament represent the presence of God

   -Jesus came from the Father and after the work the done, He returns to the Father

-Adam was being expelled from the garden of Eden - presence of God, so is all his children and children's children...

   -Jesus is the first man to be welcomed in the presence of God, so will be the children

-when Jesus go away, the holy Spirit will come

   -Jesus don't only give us hope but also help, Holy Spirit the helper

-we will always be lead by what we are full of

   -we need to be full of the Holy Spirit

3. signals Christ's continuing work through us

-former book (Luke) is all about what Jesus began to do and teach

-book of Acts is all about what Jesus continues to do and to teach through the disciples

after ascension, Jesus passed the preaching of the gospel to His people

Jesus didnt just give the disciples principles, He gave them power

Jesus rebuked them... And entrusted

-Jesus spoke a blessing

-the blessing of God is a prophetic statement of what God will do in and through a person's life

-the last thing they saw Jesus doing was lifting His hands blessing them

   -till now, Jesus is still blessing, praying and interceding for us till He comes back

-Jesus is ascended into heaven and we will be there one day cos He is there

-Jesus not only give us hope, but also help

-Jesus' work of teaching is over and now is ours

RESPONDING TO THE CALL OF GOD

-tax collectors were hated by the Jews... they were considered the worst sinners with no conscious

-Jesus saw Levi stilling in the tax office

-Levi is indifferent and have zero interest in Jesus

-Jesus didnt call anyone from the crowd, who is passionate abt God

1. drawing of God

-by ourselves, we are blind...

   -unless the Lord draws ppl to Himself, no one can know Him

      -it is God's grace that draw us to follow Jesus

the drawing is like a door knock

-Levi was rich in wealth, obsessed with money.. but he didnt realize tt he is naked

even if he see ppl are so passionate, he is indifferent

-the moment Jesus called Levi, it became the turning point of his life

-unless God draws us, we cant know God.... thus we need to give God our attention!

-make time and give God space

first is the drawing, then running

2. respond immediately

initially, Levi was sitting... but when Jesus called, he left everything and followed Jesus

great feast is costly and Levi and afford it!

previously, money and status ruled his life

-attitude, thinking

-Levi didnt negotiate with Jesus... Levi's response is immediate, unconditional, absolute surrender

every often we hear Jesus, but we will say "Jesus, wait let me do what i want to do first", "Jesus, im not ready"

dont take our relationship with God for granted!

3 benefits of surrendering our life to Jesus

1. for our own benefit

we need to give up our own sinful lifestyle... but we will receive eternal life

2. for other's benefit

Levi invited all his tax collector friends and Jesus to his house... he wants them to hear Jesus!

3. for Jesus' sake

-nothing can compare to this benefit... gain intimacy with Jesus

-its a privilege... cos the drawing is only from God

Jesus is our greatest reward

all Levi wanted was Jesus... how will he know that will write the gospel of Matthew

ppl are criticizing Jesus that He went and dine with sinners... but Jesus responded