HE LIVES
HE LIVES
A promise made; a promise Kept – He lives!
QUESTIONS
1. Was it necessary for the stone to be
rolled away from the tomb in order for Jesus to come forth? Explain, using John
20:19 as a reference. If not, then why did the angel come down from Heaven to
roll back the stone?
The Deity of Jesus
·
Jesus’ deity was never affected by His decision to condescend to
redemption plan
·
All things were made by Him and for Him
·
He is still the King of kings and Lord of lords
Redemption work
subjection/Condescension
·
All that Jesus went through was love driven and voluntary
·
He was subjected to natures’ limitation just to fulfil His
mission
Jesus is unstoppable
·
No natural power can stop Jesus
·
No power on earth can stop Jesus
·
The tomb could not withhold him
·
The stone could not prevent him
Evidence of Jesus’
invincibility after resurrection
·
Jesus appeared to many who were enclosed
·
He also disappeared afterwards
Rolling away for evidence
access
·
The rolling away was done for human access to the tomb
Rolling away for
Incontrovertible evidence
·
Evidence to honest doubters
·
To the unbelieving, it remains incontrovertible evidence
Evidence of supremacy:
·
If the Angel didn’t roll away the stone, there wont be access to
the tomb
·
Access to the tomb confirmed supremacy over:
- The Stone
- The seal
- The soldiers
Physical Barrier vs.
Divine Power:
-The stone was
not necessary for Jesus to rise from the dead, as He possesses divine power
over death.
John 11:25 “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
Revelation of the
Resurrection: The stone being rolled away served to reveal the empty tomb to
humanity.
Matthew 28:2, it "And, behold, there was a great
earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and
rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it."
-This action provided clear evidence of Jesus’ resurrection.
Human Witness: The stone’s
removal allowed the women and disciples to witness the empty tomb firsthand,
fulfilling their need for evidence.
-Jesus appeared without using the door
John 20:19 19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Sign of God's Power: The angel
rolling back the stone indicates God’s intervention in human history,
displaying His sovereignty and power over natural forces.
Romans 1:20 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Symbolism of Access: The open tomb
symbolizes access to eternal life through Christ. Hebrews 10:20 says,
"By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the
veil, that is to say, his flesh."
-The rolled-away stone invites all into a new relationship with God.
Fulfillment of Prophecy
and Promise: The action of the stone being rolled away can be seen as a
fulfillment of Jesus’ own words about His resurrection
-It serves as a reminder that God fulfills
His promises, thus encouraging faith among believers.
2. Using Matthew 27:66 and 28:2,4,
describe how the visible effects of the Resurrection showed that Jesus was
victor over the efforts of the chief priests, the Roman government, and nature.
Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Power of words
limitations
·
“It is written”
·
No one or power can overrule the word of God
Physical limitations
·
The spiritual drives and controls the physical
·
There is more to issues than meets the eyes
Authority/Power
limitations
·
All power on earth and in heaven belongs to Jesus
·
Human attempt to stop Jesus was a momentary display of limited
power
·
This was overruled as at when due
·
Jesus can still do the same today
·
Are you experiencing any kind of suppression?
·
Surrender yourself to Jesus’ authority
·
You will be empowered to issue authority over any situation
Miracles/Signs/Wonders…
good but
·
All the physical manifestations could not change the Chief
priests and Roman officials
·
The greatest miracle is transformation of souls
Believe system
·
How is your believe system?
·
We need ears that will hear and eyes that will see
·
A willing heart that will believe the truth
In the language that we understand
better
·
God knows the language that we understand best
· God is still speaking. Can you hear?
Victory Over the Chief Priests
Failure of Human Schemes:
The
chief priests attempted to secure Jesus' tomb to prevent His resurrection.
Matthew 27:66 “So they went, and made the sepulchre sure,
sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”
-Their efforts illustrate human attempts to thwart God's purpose, which ultimately failed.
God’s Authority vs. Human
Authority: Jesus' resurrection, despite the measures taken by the chief
priests, signifies divine authority triumphing over human plans.
Isaiah 14:27 "For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it?"
Victory Over the Roman Government
Defiance of Earthly
Power: The Roman guards were placed at the tomb to ensure that Jesus’
body remained undisturbed.
Matthew 28:4, it says, “And for fear of him
the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.”
-This indicates that earthly powers could not restrain the divine act of resurrection.
Divine Sovereignty: The inability
of the Roman authorities to prevent the resurrection highlights God’s ultimate
control over earthly rulers.
Psalm 2:4 “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision,” -emphasizing God's supreme authority.
Victory Over Nature
Power Over Creation:
Matthew 28:2 “And, behold, there was a great
earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven.”
-This indicates that even nature responds to the power of God and asserts Jesus’ dominion over all creation.
Hope and Assurance for
Believers: The rolling away of the stone demonstrated Jesus' power over the
natural world, providing assurance to believers about His ability to overcome
any obstacle.
Matthew 19:26, it “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them,
With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”
3. What particular point of the Easter
story does Mark 15:43-46 and John 19:31-34 establish? How does John 20:20 prove
that He rose from the dead?
Redemption work Fulfilled
·
Not just prophetic
·
Not just in principle
·
The price was actually and fully paid
Covenant limitations
·
Jesus surrendered himself to death to pay the redemption price
·
Jesus did not suffer corruption
· As at when due and according to his words, he resurrected triumphantly
Significance of Mark 15:43-46 and John 19:31-34
Authenticating Jesus’
Death: Both passages establish the reality of Jesus’ death.
Mark 15:44-46 indicates that Pilate
confirmed Jesus was dead before Joseph of Arimathea took His body: “And Joseph
bought a fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen.”
-This confirms that Jesus underwent a true and complete death.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: The specific
details surrounding His burial fulfill Old Testament prophecy, reinforcing
Jesus’ role as the Messiah.
Isaiah 53:9
“And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death.”
- This points to God’s plan and the significance of Jesus’ sacrificial death.
Significance of the
Piercing:
John 19:34 “But one of the soldiers with a
spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.”
- This detail signifies the genuine nature of His death and is significant for understanding the sacrificial system emphasizing the kind of sacrifice that Jesus was for humanity.
How John 20:20 Proves the Resurrection
Revelation of the Risen
Christ:
John 20:20
“And when he had so said, he showed unto them his hands and his side.”
-The visible wounds serve as direct evidence of His resurrection, proving that it was indeed Jesus who appeared to them, affirming that He rose from the dead in the same body that was crucified.
Transformation of Fear to
Joy: This moment signifies transformation. The disciples were
initially afraid - but upon seeing the resurrected Jesus, their fear turned
into joy.
John 20:20 “Then were the disciples glad,
when they saw the Lord.”
-This joy represents the hope and assurance found in the resurrection for all believers.
Affirmation of the
Physical Resurrection: The physical evidence of Jesus' wounds underscores the reality
of His resurrection.
-It was not a mere spiritual or metaphorical
resurrection; rather, it was a bodily resurrection, confirming the integrity of
the faith we have in Christ.
Romans 10:9
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be
saved.”
4. What is the great importance of the
Resurrection of Christ to the Christian and the Church day?
Historical (Account
settled)
·
Humanity had a suspended judgment that could not be paid by
another human
·
Jesus settled the account
Today (Challenges of the
day)
·
Sufficient for the day are the evils thereof but we have a blood
bought total victory
Future/Tomorrow
·
Because He lives, we can face tomorrow
Eternity
·
We have the assurance of a secured blissful eternity
Hope
·
We are no longer hopeless but hopeful
Help
·
We have access to help in times of need
Grace
·
We have abundant grace that is greater than all our sins and
faults
Mercy
· We have access to undeserved mercy
Importance of the Resurrection to Christians
Foundation of Faith: The
resurrection is central to Christian faith.
1 Corinthians
15:14, Paul “And if Christ be not risen,
then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.”
-This emphasizes that without the resurrection, the entire Christian message collapses.
Assurance of Salvation: The
resurrection confirms that Christ’s sacrifice was accepted by God, providing
believers with assurance of their own salvation.
Romans 4:25 says, “Who was delivered for our
offences, and was raised again for our justification.”
-This assures believers of their right standing before God.
Victory Over Death: The
resurrection signifies Christ's victory over sin and death.
1 Corinthians 15:55, it asks, “O death,
where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
-This victory promises believers hope in the face of physical death, affirming that eternal life awaits them in Christ.
Empowerment for Living: The power that
raised Jesus from the dead is the same power available to believers.
Ephesians 1:19-20 “And what is the exceeding greatness of his
power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead.”
- This empowers Christians for daily living and overcoming challenges.
Importance of the Resurrection to the Church
Basis for Preaching the
Gospel: The resurrection is the cornerstone of the Gospel message.
Acts 2:32 “This Jesus hath God raised up,
whereof we all are witnesses.”
-The Church is called to proclaim this truth as part of its mission to spread the good news of Jesus Christ and His work.
Hope for Future
Resurrection: The resurrection assures the Church of its own future
resurrection.
1 Thessalonians 4:14 “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose
again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”
-This promise offers hope to believers regarding their eternal future with God.
Unity in Christ: The
resurrection serves as a unifying factor for the Church.
Romans 6:5,
“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we
shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
-Believers are united in Christ’s death and resurrection, forming a common bond of faith and purpose.
Transformation and New Life: The
resurrection signifies new life, which the Church embodies.
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be
in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things
are become new.”
-The Church reflects this transformation as
it lives out the principles of the Kingdom of God.
5. To whom did Jesus first personally
appear after His resurrection? Who else saw Him alive that first day? See Mark
16:12; Luke 24:13-18,34 and John 20:19.
Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Diligent Seekers
·
God will always attend to diligent seekers
Love-driven
·
Our service, purpose and actions should be love-driven
·
Love will help us to be at the right place, with the right
people, doing the right thing
Issue of the moment (Can
Jesus join?)
·
Mary’s heart was tuned with the right spirit
·
She had a prepared platform for Jesus to appear unto her
·
Can Jesus join us at any time and feel welcome?
·
If we are in tune, Jesus will meet us at the point of our needs
Reach out to Jesus (He is reaching out)
Jesus’ First Personal Appearance
To Mary Magdalene: Jesus first
appeared to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection. In Mark 16:9, it “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day
of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven
devils.”
- This emphasizes the importance of Mary in the resurrection narrative and her role as the first witness.
Additional Appearances on the First Day
To the Disciples on the
Road to Emmaus: Jesus also appeared to two disciples traveling to Emmaus.
Luke 24:13-15, “And, behold, two of them went that same day
to a village called Emmaus… And it came to pass, that, while they communed
together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.”
- This event shows how Jesus revealed Himself to His followers and explained the Scriptures concerning Himself.
To Cleopas and His
Companion: Among the two disciples who encountered Jesus on the road to
Emmaus, one of them is named Cleopas (Luke 24:18), while the other is
unmentioned.
-This highlights the inclusivity of Jesus' appearances and underscores His personal connection to His followers.
Recognition Through Communion: During their
meal in Emmaus, when Jesus "took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to
them," their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him (Luke
24:30-31).
-This act of breaking bread pointed to the significance of fellowship and the remembrance of Christ.
To the Eleven Disciples: Jesus also
appeared to the eleven disciples later that day. In Luke 24:34, it is declared,
“Saying,
The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.”
-This reinforces the truth of His resurrection and the fulfillment of His promise to them.
In the Upper Room: In John 20:19,
it recounts how Jesus appeared to the disciples when they were gathered: “Then the same
day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where
the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the
midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.”
- This demonstrates His power to overcome barriers and His desire to bring peace to His frightened followers.
Application Points
Personal Encounter: Jesus' choice
to appear first to Mary Magdalene reflects the value of personal encounters
with Him, reminding believers that each individual is significant to Christ John 10:3 3 To
him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own
sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
-speaks to His personal relationship with His sheep.
Encouragement in Doubt: The
appearances to the disciples who were initially hiding out of fear serve as a
reminder that Jesus meets us in our doubts and fears, instilling courage and
peace.
Philippians 4:6-7 6 Be careful for nothing;
but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known unto God.
7 And
the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus.
-encourages us not to be anxious but to seek His peace.
- The Importance of
Witness: By appearing to multiple individuals and in various
circumstances, Jesus validates the resurrection's truth and the mission of His
followers to share this good news.
Matthew 28:19-20 19 Go ye therefore, and
teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost:
20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I
am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
-calls believers to share the gospel to all nations, emphasizing the importance of witness.
Hope and Assurance: The immediacy
of these appearances offers hope to believers, affirming that Christ is alive
and active among His people.
Romans 8:34 34 Who is he that condemneth? It
is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right
hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
- can reassure Christians that He intercedes
for them as risen Lord.
6. Using the following Scriptures, what
were the different reactions of those who were told of His resurrection?
Matthew 28:8, Matthew 28:9; John 20:16, Matthew 28:11-15 Mark 16:11; Luke
24:11; John 20:25, Luke 24:12, Luke 24:22-23, John 20:8
Expectation
·
Expectation precedes manifestations
·
What are your expectations?
·
How do you monitor or guide your expectations aright?
·
By renewing your mind
·
Watch what you consume or input
Response
·
Your expectations, inputs, preparations determine your response
Reaction
·
Without preparations and expectations, reaction is natural
·
It is better to be prepared in advance than to meet situations
with reactions
Process
·
How do you process privileged information and opportunities?
· We need wisdom
Reactions to the Resurrection
Joy and Fear: After the
women received the angel's message of the resurrection, they departed from the
tomb with a mix of joy and fear.
Matthew 28:8
“And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy;
and did run to bring his disciples word.”
-This demonstrates how the announcement of resurrection brought both excitement and apprehension.
Worship: When Jesus
personally appeared to the women, they recognized Him and worshipped Him.
Matthew 28:9
“And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying,
All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.”
-This reflects the appropriate response of reverence and adoration to the risen Christ.
Skepticism and Deception:
The
guards reported the resurrection to the chief priests, who then conspired to
spread falsehoods about the resurrection.
Matthew 28:11-15 “And when they were
assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto
the soldiers… saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away.”
-This shows a deliberate act of disbelief and attempts to suppress the truth.
Disbelief Among the
Disciples: The reactions among the disciples included skepticism. Mark
16:11
Luke 24:11 “And they, when they had heard
that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.”
-Their initial reaction was one of doubt, emphasizing the struggle to accept the miraculous event.
Doubt by Thomas: Thomas
specifically expressed doubt regarding the resurrection when he said he would
not believe without concrete evidence.
John 20:25 “Except I shall see in his hands
the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and
thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
-This highlights a human tendency to seek tangible proof before accepting extraordinary claims.
Peter’s Curiosity: After hearing
the report of the resurrection, Peter exhibited a desire to investigate for
himself.
Luke 24:12
“Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he
beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself
at that which was come to pass.”
-This demonstrates a reaction of curiosity and a willingness to seek the truth.
Acknowledgment by Others:
Some
disciples acknowledged the resurrection by sharing their testimony and
experiences.
Luke 24:22-23 “Yea, and certain women also
of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; and when
they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of
angels, which said that he was alive.”
-This reflects a communal recognition of the miraculous event and the spread of the message.
Belief from Witnessing:
John 20:8 “Then went in also that other
disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.”
-His belief came from witnessing the
evidence, illustrating how faith can emerge through personal experiences and
encounters.
7. What had Jesus done to prepare His
disciples for the shock of His death and resurrection? See Matthew 16:21; Mark
9:9,10 and Luke 9:21-22; 24:6-8,44.
Advance/Privileged
Information
·
We have access to advance and privileged information to help us
in our walk with God
·
God will not hide any information or guidance that will prepare
us ahead
The truth sets free
·
Truth does not need to be covered up
·
The truth that will set us free is the one that we know and make
use of
The immutability of God’s
word
·
If God says it, believe it and work ahead and in line with it
How do you handle/respond
to what God says?
·
It is in our own interest to know the mind of God concerning
everything
Mark every word
The Word of God: Manual of life
Preparation for His Death and Resurrection
Forewarning of His Death
and Resurrection: Jesus explicitly foretold His suffering, death, and subsequent
resurrection to prepare His disciples for what was to come.
Matthew 16:21 “From that time forth began
Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and
suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed,
and be raised again the third day.”
-This demonstrates His desire for them to understand His mission and the necessity of these events.
Repetition for Emphasis: Jesus repeated
this information multiple times to ensure His disciples were aware of the
significance of the events to come.
Mark 9:9-10 “And as they came down from the
mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had
seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead. And they kept that saying
with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead
should mean.”
-This repetition underscores the importance of His message and the need for His followers to process it over time.
Teaching about the
Suffering Messiah:
Luke 9:21-22 “And he straitly charged them, and commanded
them to tell no man that thing; Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things,
and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and
be raised the third day.”
-By teaching them about the necessity of His suffering, He was reshaping their understanding of the Messiah's role.
Preparation Through
Prophecy: After His resurrection, Jesus reminded them of His predictions
to confirm their faith.
Luke 24:6-8 “He is not here, but is risen:
remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of
man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the
third day rise again. And they remembered his words.”
-This memory serves as a crucial point for their belief in the resurrection and the fulfillment of Scripture.
Clarifying the Purpose of
His Resurrection:
Luke 24:44 “And he said unto them, These are
the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things
must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets,
and in the psalms, concerning me.”
-This establishes that His death and resurrection were not only foretold but essential components of God's redemptive plan.
Application Points
Understanding Through
Teaching: Jesus’ repeated teachings highlight the importance of
understanding God's plan through Scripture and Christ's teachings.
-This encourages believers to delve deep into the Word for preparation in their faith journey
Anticipation of God’s
Plan: Knowing suffering can be a part of God's plan (as Jesus
explained), believers can find comfort in their own difficult circumstances,
understanding that God may be using trials for a greater purpose.
Romans 8:28 “all things work together for good to them that love God.”
- Faith Through
Fulfillment: The reminders of Jesus’ prophecies underscore the importance of
faith in God's promises. When faced with confusion or doubt, believers
can look back on prophetic fulfillments to strengthen their faith in God's
ongoing plans.
John 14:29 “And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.”
Encouragement to
Remember: The act of remembering Jesus’ words after the resurrection
serves as a model for believers today to recall God's promises and teachings
during challenging times.
Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine
heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
8. In considering the events of the
first Easter, what do we have today that helps us to believe that Jesus is
alive? See John 20:31. What might we conclude with regard to our responsibility
to believe?
Prophecies &
Fulfilments
·
Prophecies about Jesus birth, life and ministry were all
fulfilled
·
His death and resurrections were no exceptional: All came to
pass and fulfilled
First-hand experience
·
To all the believers, what witness do you have?
·
HE LIVES IN ME!
·
The spirit witness within: We have the witness within
Office of the Holy Spirit
·
As promised by Jesus before he left, the Holy Spirit is very
much around
· The works and office of the Holy Spirit makes Jesus’ redemption work real
Evidence of Jesus' Resurrection
The Written Word: The primary
evidence is the Scriptures, which document the life, death, and resurrection of
Christ.
John 20:31
“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ,
the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
-The Gospel accounts provide eyewitness testimony and records of His resurrection, serving as a foundation for faith.
Eyewitness Testimonies: The accounts
include numerous eyewitnesses who saw the resurrected Jesus. This collective
testimony, spanning many individuals and groups, affirms the truth of the
resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:6 “After that, he was seen
of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto
this present.”
-This historical evidence adds credibility to the claim of His resurrection.
Transformed Lives of
Disciples: The transformation of the disciples from fearful and
disheartened followers to bold proclaimers of the Gospel serves as powerful
evidence that Jesus is alive.
Acts 4:20
“For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
-Their change in behavior reflects the impact of their encounters with the risen Christ.
The Church’s Existence: The ongoing
existence and growth of the Church serve as a testament to the resurrection of
Christ. The Church began in the days following the resurrection, driven by the
power of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 16:18 “And I say also unto thee,
That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates
of hell shall not prevail against it.”
-The perseverance of the Church amidst challenges throughout history further affirms the living presence of Jesus.
Personal Experience of
Faith: Individuals today experience a personal relationship with the
risen Christ through prayer, worship, and the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:16 “The Spirit itself beareth
witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”
-Many believers testify to the way Jesus has transformed their lives, offering a powerful confirmation of His presence.
Responsibility to Believe
Call to Faith: The purpose of
the written accounts is to call people to faith in Jesus as the Messiah and Son
of God.
-This reflects an expectation of personal belief, as John 20:31 indicates that believing leads to spiritual life. Therefore, our responsibility is to respond to the evidence and claims of Christ with faith.
Response to the Truth: Having
received the evidence through Scripture and personal testimony, individuals
must decide how they will respond.
Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the
door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to
him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
This emphasizes the personal nature of belief and the invitation Jesus extends to all.
Active Faith: Belief in the
resurrection compels believers to live out their faith in active obedience.
James 2:19
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also
believe, and tremble.”
-True faith expresses itself through works that reflect the transformation Jesus brings.
Sharing the Good News: Belief in
Jesus' resurrection comes with the responsibility to share the message of hope
with others.
-The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20
calls believers to make disciples of all nations, indicating that our faith
should be active and outward-focused.
CONCLUSSION:
“From the moment of Jesus’ Resurrection, God’s plan of salvation was fulfilled. A new era had begun. Direct communication between man and God had been established. There was no more need for the formality of a priest taking people’s sins and prayers before God. Now, we can talk to God ourselves and have a personal relationship with Him.”
Is Jesus alive in you? Do you have a personal experiential relationship with God?
A sinner is like a dead walking corpse. Life is offered unto you. Look and live every day of your life.
Because He lives, we have a
living hope for today, tomorrow, future and eternity.
BECAUSE HE LIVES
God
sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!
Because
He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
How
sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he brings;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!
And
then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!
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