May 17, 2026 A Parting Gift - Miracle Grow

Scripture Reference

• Acts 1:4-11

• John 14

Overview

On Ascension Sunday—the 40th day after the resurrection—Jesus’ final instructions were simple but weighty: “Stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Father.”  Acts 1 shows that the risen Lord would soon pour out the Holy Spirit, not so the disciples could seize political power, but so they could receive divine power (dynamis) to witness “to the ends of the earth.”  This message links the ascension to prophetic passages about Christ’s return, and urges every believer to tarry until they, too, are clothed with power from on high.

Main Points

1.  A loving command: “Do not leave—wait” (Acts 1:4-5)

• Jesus didn’t politely suggest; He commanded the disciples to remain in Jerusalem so they would not miss the Father’s gift.

• John the Baptist had foretold it: the Messiah would “baptize with the Holy Spirit.”

• John 14 lays out the promise in detail—another Helper, the Spirit of truth, would dwell with and in believers so they would never be left as orphans.

2.  Spirit baptism: more than a dip

• Word study: bapto (a quick dip) versus baptizo (fully immersed and left there).

• Illustration: A cucumber becomes a pickle only when it stays submerged; the Spirit’s baptism preserves, flavors, and changes texture—so does life in the Spirit.

3.  Misplaced expectations: “Are You restoring the kingdom now?” (Acts 1:6-7)

• Even after the resurrection the disciples still longed for political deliverance.

• Jesus redirected them: timing belongs to the Father; their job was preparation, not speculation.

4.  Power with a purpose (Acts 1:8)

• Greek dynamis: explosive, dynamic ability—likened to spiritual “Miracle-Gro” that bypasses slow natural processes and fuels growth.

• Given for witness: preaching, healing, casting out demons, raising the dead—works Jesus performed “in the power of the Spirit” (Luke 4:14; Acts 10:38).

• Without the Spirit, even Jesus did not begin public ministry; likewise, believers cannot fulfill their mission without the Holy Spirit.

5.  The ascension and the certain return (Acts 1:9-11)

• Two angels promised that Jesus would come back “in the same manner.”

• Prophetic alignment:

• Ezekiel 44 foretells the Eastern Gate remaining shut until the Lord re-enters.

• Zechariah 14:4 says His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives—directly opposite that sealed gate.

• Multiple texts (1 Thessalonians 4, Matthew 24, Revelation 1) echo His coming “with clouds.”

6.  “There is more”: invitation to seek the Helper

• Salvation, justification, and sanctification are already ours in Christ; the promised power is an additional gift for ministry effectiveness.

• Story: The preacher described receiving Spirit baptism while stationed in Germany—waves of God’s love, fresh boldness, and a life-redirecting call.

• Grandparents, parents, newcomers—no one is too old or too new to ask for more of the Spirit’s empowering presence.

Key Truths

• Jesus commands waiting because He refuses to let His followers miss the Father’s best.

• Spirit baptism immerses believers in God’s presence so thoroughly that lasting change is inevitable.

• The Spirit’s power is for witness, not prestige.

• Christ’s ascension guarantees His visible, bodily return to the Mount of Olives.

• Every believer can—and should—seek a fresh empowerment to serve God’s purposes today.

Response

• Wait on the Lord until He clothes you with power.

• Ask specifically for the Helper to fill and overflow your life.

• Step out in faith—speak, pray, serve—trusting the Spirit to supply the dynamis.

• Share concrete stories of how Jesus is active with you this week.

• Keep watch for His return by living ready and pointing others to Him.

Closing

 The Holy Spirit is God’s parting—and continuing—gift, enabling ordinary people to live as an extraordinary witness.  There is more; seek Him, and you will not mistake the moment He comes.“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses.”