From Christ's ascension at Bethany, this message shows how His blessing moved the disciples to worship, rejoice, and continually praise God. Believers are challenged not merely to receive God's blessings, but to take the life, strength, joy, salvation, and grace He has given and turn those blessings back into worship and praise.

The sermon examines Genesis 8:20-22 to highlight Noah's immediate priority of building an altar and offering burnt offerings upon exiting the ark. It interprets the 'soothing aroma' as a metaphor for God's pleasure with worship that flows from faith and love, rather than literal olfactory sensation. The preacher connects this Old Testament sacrificial system to the New Testament reality where believers serve as a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. Ultimately, the text points to Jesus Christ as the perfect, final sacrifice whose death on the cross appeases God's wrath and serves as the true soothing aroma to the Father. The message urges Christians to prioritize worship and recognize their identity in Christ as they offer themselves to God.

Jesus Going to the Father I. His Bodily Ascension II. His Present Exaltation III. His Blessings Given Us Scripture: John 17 Text: Lord's Day 18, John 17:5 Psalter #'s: 27A, 51C, 118C, 22E

1. The Idea Of The Ascension 2. The Importance Of The Ascension 3. The Advantage Of The Ascension

MONOGENES is the Greek term translated ONLY BEGOTTEN or uniquely conceived & born...referring to the virgin birth, sinless life, substitutionary atoning death, ascension, present session, soon return and eternal rule. All proving who he is the only celebrity and superhero, the sovereign controller and steersman of human and eternal history.