Ascension Day 2013

INTRO: Today we commemorate the ascension of Christ into heaven. Let me give you the order of events in light of the seven feasts of Israel which are given to us in Leviticus 23. The first three feasts occurred at much the same time. On the 14th of Nisan, in the evening, the Passover was commemorated. This, as we know, pictured Christ's death and was fulfilled when He died. Then came the feast of Unleavened bread, and it began on the 15th of Nisan and was a seven day feast. It was fulfilled at the same time as well. But during the feast of Unleavened Bread, the feast of First-fruits took place. It took place on the day after the Sabbath which followed the Passover. This feast was fulfilled when Christ rose from the dead.