The Mountains of God – Week 9 Guide

The Mountain of Exaltation – Acts 1:6-12

To download the guide for this week, use the link below.

Connecting

Have you ever had a moment when you realized a chapter of life had ended and something new was about to begin? What made that moment memorable? 

The Mountain of Exaltation, Acts 1:6-12

Acts 1:6-12

⁶So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ⁹When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. ¹⁰While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. ¹¹They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” ¹²Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. 

Questions for Discussion

1. The disciples asked Jesus, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). What does this question reveal about their expectations? In what ways do we sometimes misunderstand God’s plans today? 
2. Jesus tells the disciples that they will receive power and be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). What does it mean to be a witness for Christ in everyday life? 
3. Jesus tells the disciples to begin witnessing in Jerusalem — the very place where Jesus had been crucified and where people knew them. Why might starting at home be both logical and difficult? 
4. Jesus told the disciples that they would also witness in Samaria, a place they typically avoided. What barriers or prejudices might prevent people from sharing God’s love today? 
5. Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit. Do you find waiting more often easy or difficult? Why? In what ways do you think prayer might be helpful in preparing us for God’s work? 
6. The angels remind the disciples that Jesus will return. How should living between Jesus’ ascension and Christ’s return shape the way we live today? 
7. Optional Closing Question: Participants may share one place, this week, where they feel called to be a witness for Christ — through words, actions, or prayer.

Praying for Each Other

Are there any joys to celebrate, any burdens we can share?

Closing prayer

Lord Jesus, we thank You that You are not only the Savior who came to us, but the King who reigns over all things. Your ascension reminds us that You are alive, victorious, and ruling with authority and grace. 

Help us to live with confidence that You are at work, even when we cannot see it. Give us faith to trust Your leadership, courage to follow where You lead, and hope as we wait for Your return. 

Teach us to keep our eyes on You, while also faithfully carrying out the mission You have given us. In Your name we pray, Amen.