May 25, 2025. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Day 4 of 170
Today, we worshipped with our brothers and sisters at Eastbrook Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We attended the 11:00 AM service, where Pastor Matt Erickson preached on the Ascension of Jesus. We were warmly welcomed at the door and quickly found our seats. Eastbrook is a unique church; though nondenominational, it occupies the building of a former Catholic church. This provides a distinctive atmosphere, combining the grandeur of a traditional sanctuary and stained-glass windows with a contemporary worship ensemble.
Pastor Matt explained that the Ascension of Jesus, which occurred 40 days after his Resurrection, is a pivotal event with profound theological significance. It’s not merely a historical account of Jesus leaving Earth, but a foundational doctrine that impacts core Christian beliefs. The Ascension signifies the successful completion of Jesus’ mission on Earth, including his life, death, and resurrection. By ascending, Jesus demonstrated his triumph over sin and death and confirmed that his sacrifice was perfect and sufficient for salvation. His “sitting at the right hand of God” symbolizes his ultimate authority and reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The Ascension marks Jesus’ return to his divine glory and exaltation in heaven. It affirms his divine nature and his rightful place at the Father’s side—a position of ultimate power and honor. The Ascension initiated a new phase of Jesus’ work: his heavenly ministry. He intercedes for believers as their High Priest and Advocate, continually pleading for them before God. This ongoing intercession provides comfort and assurance to Christians. Jesus told his disciples that his departure was necessary for the Holy Spirit to come (John 16:7). The Ascension paved the way for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, empowering believers to continue Jesus’ work and spread the Gospel throughout the world. The Holy Spirit’s presence allows Jesus to be with all believers, in all places, at all times, overcoming the limitations of his physical presence.
The angels at the Ascension assured the disciples that Jesus would “come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). The Ascension, therefore, serves as a pledge of Jesus’ Second Coming, offering hope and assurance of his ultimate victory and the establishment of his kingdom. In the Ascension, Jesus took his resurrected human body into heaven. This signifies that humanity, in Christ, has access to God’s heavenly domain and offers hope for believers’ own future resurrection and glorification. The Ascension means that Christ now reigns from heaven and empowers his Church through the Holy Spirit to carry out the Great Commission. It assures believers of Christ’s ongoing intercession and the active presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Pastor Matt delivered a comprehensive sermon on the Ascension’s crucial link between Jesus’ resurrection and his future return, providing a framework for understanding his current reign, his ongoing work for humanity, and the hope for the future. We were blessed to worship and learn at Eastbrook Church. If you are looking for a place of true worship and Christian fellowship, Eastbrook is the place.
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