Sunday, April 17, 2011

The Resurrection of Jesus

The angel at the empty tomb said, "Do not be afraid, for I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said when He was with you in Galilee" John 28:5-6 and Luke 24:5-8.

Historian Kenneth Scott Latourette said, "It was the conviction of the resurrection of Jesus which lifted His followers out of the despair into which His death had cast them ... But for their profound belief that the crucified had risen from the dead and that they had seen Him and talked with Him, the death of Jesus and even Jesus Himself would probably have been all but forgotten."

Jesus Christ transformed the lives of His disciples, and for the last 2,000 years He has done the same for others. The established fact of changed lives is only one of many credible reasons for believing in the resurrection.

Why does the resurrection matter?

IF JESUS DID NOT RISE FROM THE DEAD, OR IF WE DON'T BELIEVE IT ...

"... if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!" [and guilty before God] -- 1 Corinthians 15:17

BUT IF HE DID AND IF WE PUT OUR FAITH IN IT ...

"According to God's great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" 1 Peter 1:3-4

Ponder that, and have a wonder resurrection day. – David Shropshire

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A 12' x 40' painting of the resurrection by internationally-known artist, Ron DiCianni, will be displayed in the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas, Texas. Watch the artist describe his painting.
http://downloads.cbn.com/cbnplayer/cbnPlayer.swf?s=/vod/MW131v2_WS

"God has set a day when the entire human race will be judged and everything set right. And He has already appointed the judge [Jesus], confirming Him before everyone by raising Him from the dead." Acts 17:31 (MSG)

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