Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. Acts 1:2-4

The Book of Acts begins with the Ascension of Christ, this shows you the importance of the Ascension and how it was a beginning for the Church. As written, Jesus appeared to the disciples for 40 days after the Resurrection, this was clearly documented in the gospels and by the apostles. Jesus commanded the disciples not to leave Jerusalem, so they may receive the Holy Spirit

The Ascension was necessary for Christ to send the Holy Spirit (John 16) this is one of the reasons the Ascension is an important event for the Church. Jesus exalted at the right hand of God the Father, pouring down the Holy Spirit, creating his body (The Church) to continue Gods work here on Earth (Ephesians 1)

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:5-8

The baptism of the Holy Spirit, as taught by Christ himself (John 3) The day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured down upon the Church, this was made possible because the Ascension was completed. You might wonder why? As the scripture said “Its not for us to know the times or season” What we do know is Jesus said” He must ascend into Heaven in order for the Holy Spirit to be sent” (John 16)

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts 1:9-11

The disciples watched as The Lord was taken up into Heaven, two angels told them “In the same way, Jesus will return” The Ascension also is the kickoff for the return of Christ! As soon as Jesus ascended the clock is now ticking, The Church has eagerly waited for The Lords return, which will come as a thief in the night

Are you ready Church? Jesus will return in the same manner as the Ascension, Christ will come at a day or hour when you least expect him, get ready the King is coming Amen!