Study Questions for May 17, 2026

Up and Out by Pastor Dale Beaver
Read Acts 1:8-11; Luke 24:44-53; John 16:7; and Ephesians 4:11-13.

1. Pastor Dale refers to the ascension as the "forgotten act of God", noting that we celebrate Christmas and Easter but often skip the day Jesus returned to heaven. Why do you think the ascension is often treated as just a "transition slide" rather than a major event in its own right?
2. Read Luke 24:44-45. Jesus "opened their minds" to understand that the entire Old Testament—the Law, Prophets, and Psalms—was fulfilled in Him. Can you share a time when the Holy Spirit "pulled back the curtain" on a specific scripture and made it suddenly clear or relevant to your life?
3. The Theological Hinge. The sermon describes the ascension as the "dispensational lynchpin" that moves ministry from Christ’s physical presence to the work of the church. How does it change your sense of purpose to realize that Jesus’ earthly ministry didn’t end; it simply continues through you?
4. Read Acts 1:10-11. The angels told the disciples that Jesus would return "in the same way" they saw Him go—bodily and visibly. Why is it significant to our hope that Jesus did not "shed His humanity" on the way up, but remains fully God and fully man in heaven?
5. Read John 16:7. Jesus told His disciples it was "best" for Him to go away so that the Advocate (the Holy Spirit) would come. Discuss the practical advantage of having the Holy Spirit living inside every believer globally, rather than having Jesus limited to one physical location on earth.
6. The Courtroom of Heaven. Pastor Dale describes heaven as the "control room" where Jesus serves as our Great High Priest and defense attorney against the "accuser". How does this reality provide security when you feel weighed down by guilt or spiritual accusations?
7. Read Ephesians 4:11-12. In the New Testament, the "gifts" Christ gives to the church are actually people (apostles, pastors, teachers). Pastor Dale illustrates this with "Miss Bonnie," a long-time children's ministry worker. Who is a "gifted person" in your life who has helped "mend" or equip you for your own walk with God?
8. The word "equip" in Ephesians 4:12 comes from a Greek word used for mending fishing nets. In what area of your life is the Holy Spirit currently "mending" you—restoring you to a place of functionality so you can serve the purpose for which you were created?
9. Surrender vs. Amount. Pastor Dale clarifies that you don't need more of the Holy Spirit; you already have the fullness of Him. The difference between a "mature" believer and a struggling one is often just the level of surrender. What is one area of your life you find difficult to surrender to the Spirit’s leading?
10. The Redirected Gaze. The angels asked, "Why are you standing here staring into heaven?" as a redirection toward the mission. How can we balance "looking up" in hope of Jesus' return with "looking out" to see the neighbors God has called us to serve?
11. Do for One. Even if your sphere of influence seems small compared to a world of "noise" and "need," you are empowered by the Spirit to touch the person directly in front of you. Who is the "one" person you can encourage or thank this week for their influence in your life?
12. Close in Prayer: Thank Jesus for His ongoing work as our High Priest in heaven. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live a surrendered life this week, moving you from "staring" to "serving" in the power He has already provided.

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Analogy for Understanding: The ascension is like the transition from a specialized medical specialist treating a single patient to that specialist training and empowering a global network of doctors. While Jesus was on earth, His physical presence was limited to one town at a time. Through the ascension and the sending of the Holy Spirit, He has "distributed" His power through the church, allowing His healing and message to reach every "Judea, Samaria, and end of the earth" simultaneously.