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As we continue looking at the various events surrounding the Passion week of Christ – the last week leading up to Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. WE know it was a challenging week to say the least – rejection- false accusations- wrongly accused- torture- death and finally the resurrection. We have been asking a question – What kept Jesus Christ so committed – so passionate and determined?
In the face o f opposition when may want to give up for far less, are there some lessons wecan take from his example that we can follow? Which will keep us committed and passionate in the face of opposition? We come to the most powerful event – not only in this one week but the most significant event in the history of the world. God himself, in the person of Jesus Christ – taking our place – dying a cruel death- but as he said he would after three days his grave is empty. He is not here he has risen just as He said he would…The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead has historically been the cornerstone of the Christian faith.
The early Christians were transformed from a defeated, despairing hopeless band of followers of a teacher who claimed to be the Messiah. (remember how they all deserted Jesus when he was arrested) but after his resurrection they are transformed into a bold, fearless, band of witnesses to the physical resurrection of their leader from the dead.
Jesus is alive. This news has been welcomed by many as good news - the gospel.
The women who went to the tomb – although they may have had many questions – as to how it could have happened – they went immediately to tell others this great news.
Down through the centuries millions have accepted the truth that Jesus actually did come back to life after his crucifixion. Today those who accept this truth find great hope, peace confidence and assurance in knowing that Jesus Christ had the power to defeat death and walk out of the grave. That same power is our confidence that death will not be our defeat but we to will live and experience this same victory.
But like all the events of this Passion Week there are two basic responses.
One to accept it and experience the power of the cross or to reject it and discredit what took place. The religious establishment tried to threaten the early Christians for telling the truth of Jesus Christ. Imprisoned many- killed others. They wanted to do away with Jesus and follow their man made way to God which depended on their own efforts and religious performance- following a religious leader of their own choosing.
To cover up the resurrection they even had a story circulate that someone came and stole the body of Jesus while the guard were sleeping. The Roman authorities actually carried out repeated attempts to annihilate the Christians in the first three centuries. But their efforts only succeeded in fanning the flame in the spread of Christianity. Today in many parts of the world persecution continues for those who take a stand for Jesus Christ. I find it amazing as I walk through book stores – there seems to a new book every week trying to discredit Jesus Christ.
Why are people so afraid of the one who preached peace- love – forgiveness?
I find others who have taken time to study, investigate history and the events of Jesus resurrection - many have come to the conclusion that Jesus must have been who he said he was and he actually did come back to life- it is evident in the passion, commitment of those who saw him alive from the grave. It fulfills prophecies made 100’s of year before these events.
Two basic responses – it is impossible to find a middle ground on this event.
Accept it as true – I believe Jesus died and rose again – he is the God / man and I accept who he is and I find hope in him. Or - reject it as a myth- a hoax – the greatest lie in history – Jesus was a liar- a deranged martyr – and there is no hope in following him and I guess all who follow him are just as deranged and misled – our hope and peace is just a psychological trick. For those of us who do accept the resurrection account- Our commitment and passion will be evident to the extent we are convinced Jesus did raise from the grave.
If his resurrection doesn’t matter – then following him and sharing this great news will matter little to you? Those who were convinced – those who saw him alive and those who believe – are passionate – committed willing to boldly tell who he is and what he has done.
This was God in the flesh- and in him is life. Their lives were truly transformed into powerful, bold and passionate people. I believe what kept Jesus so passionate in the face of great opposition was the knowledge that he was the hope of the world – by his death and resurrection this world would have a real hope for real life, to be truly alive.
If you don’t accept that Jesus rose from the grave – what are you passionate about?
What gives you hope- peace- confidence – assurance- and promise of eternal life? Does it measure up to the claims and power of Jesus Christ? What makes the resurrection so significant? Why do we make such a big deal about it – can I be a Christian and not hold to this resurrection account?
The truth behind the resurrection is a matter of life and death.
Are you alive today? I think most if not all of us would say that is fairly obvious – I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t alive. I am breathing – moving around – I have a few brain waves happening – yes I am alive. I want to suggest that depending on how we respond to this account you may be here breathing – thinking yet be very much dead.
Listen to what the Apostle Paul clearly teaches about the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Paul tells us it is of most importance – it is the central message of the Christian faith this great news.
1 Corinthians 15:1-8 - by this gospel you are saved – vs 2 Here is the good news – vs 3 – Paul makes sure he gives an account of eye witnesses who saw Jesus Christ alive after his crucifixion. 1 Corinthians 15: 12-19 Vs. 17 If Christ has not been raised – your faith is futile – useless- meaningless. You are still in your sin. Jesus went to the cross not for a political cause or to create a movement of followers.
Any martyr can do that.
But the cross and the resurrection has everything to do with this thing called sin.
Which weather we like to admit it or not we all have. It is like going to the doctor and your checked out and the doctor says you have a cancer growing in you it need to be dealt with and you say – no I don’t I don’t feel anything so I think I am just fine. If not dealt with sooner or latter it will take its toil- if it is not dealt with.
In Ephesians 2:1 Paul tell us that in our sinful condition – which we are in if we do not accept the resurrection of Jesus Christ – we are dead.
You may be here today – thinking you are totally alive – that the question of weather you are alive or not has a rather simple answer – but even if you are breathing – thinking and walking around – the most significant part of you may be dead.
That is how much the resurrection factors into our life.
Without a resurrected Jesus we are still dead. From a spiritual stand point – If Jesus is still in the grave we are dead in our relationship to God.
When the women went to the grave – and heard the word he is not here he alive – he is raised from the dead just as he said. That event made it possible for all who will accept this event by faith – our willingness to trust that Jesus paid the price for my sin and was victorious over death- and victorious over sin – we saw this on Good Friday how God turns away from Jesus because he could no took upon sin, but the after the resurrection Jesus was going back to the Father – totally accepted – sin has been dealt with.
Because of the resurrection we too can be made truly alive in our relationship with God.
He can now accept us based on the resurrected living Christ.
Because he lives we too can live. Ephesians 2: 4- 5
But because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.
Vs. 8 – For it is by grace you have been saved through faith – it is a gift of God.
Are you living in the power of the resurrection?
Where do we stand to day regarding the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
There are really only two options –accept it or reject it… the choice is ours.
It is the most important choice you will make…
It is really a matter of life and death – and it is a matter of how passionate and committed we are to the one who died for us and has the power to defeat death.
AS we embrace the risen Lord – we can experience the same transformation that the early Christians experience and see our world transformed by that same power today.
Quasar92
In the face o f opposition when may want to give up for far less, are there some lessons wecan take from his example that we can follow? Which will keep us committed and passionate in the face of opposition? We come to the most powerful event – not only in this one week but the most significant event in the history of the world. God himself, in the person of Jesus Christ – taking our place – dying a cruel death- but as he said he would after three days his grave is empty. He is not here he has risen just as He said he would…The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead has historically been the cornerstone of the Christian faith.
The early Christians were transformed from a defeated, despairing hopeless band of followers of a teacher who claimed to be the Messiah. (remember how they all deserted Jesus when he was arrested) but after his resurrection they are transformed into a bold, fearless, band of witnesses to the physical resurrection of their leader from the dead.
Jesus is alive. This news has been welcomed by many as good news - the gospel.
The women who went to the tomb – although they may have had many questions – as to how it could have happened – they went immediately to tell others this great news.
Down through the centuries millions have accepted the truth that Jesus actually did come back to life after his crucifixion. Today those who accept this truth find great hope, peace confidence and assurance in knowing that Jesus Christ had the power to defeat death and walk out of the grave. That same power is our confidence that death will not be our defeat but we to will live and experience this same victory.
But like all the events of this Passion Week there are two basic responses.
One to accept it and experience the power of the cross or to reject it and discredit what took place. The religious establishment tried to threaten the early Christians for telling the truth of Jesus Christ. Imprisoned many- killed others. They wanted to do away with Jesus and follow their man made way to God which depended on their own efforts and religious performance- following a religious leader of their own choosing.
To cover up the resurrection they even had a story circulate that someone came and stole the body of Jesus while the guard were sleeping. The Roman authorities actually carried out repeated attempts to annihilate the Christians in the first three centuries. But their efforts only succeeded in fanning the flame in the spread of Christianity. Today in many parts of the world persecution continues for those who take a stand for Jesus Christ. I find it amazing as I walk through book stores – there seems to a new book every week trying to discredit Jesus Christ.
Why are people so afraid of the one who preached peace- love – forgiveness?
I find others who have taken time to study, investigate history and the events of Jesus resurrection - many have come to the conclusion that Jesus must have been who he said he was and he actually did come back to life- it is evident in the passion, commitment of those who saw him alive from the grave. It fulfills prophecies made 100’s of year before these events.
Two basic responses – it is impossible to find a middle ground on this event.
Accept it as true – I believe Jesus died and rose again – he is the God / man and I accept who he is and I find hope in him. Or - reject it as a myth- a hoax – the greatest lie in history – Jesus was a liar- a deranged martyr – and there is no hope in following him and I guess all who follow him are just as deranged and misled – our hope and peace is just a psychological trick. For those of us who do accept the resurrection account- Our commitment and passion will be evident to the extent we are convinced Jesus did raise from the grave.
If his resurrection doesn’t matter – then following him and sharing this great news will matter little to you? Those who were convinced – those who saw him alive and those who believe – are passionate – committed willing to boldly tell who he is and what he has done.
This was God in the flesh- and in him is life. Their lives were truly transformed into powerful, bold and passionate people. I believe what kept Jesus so passionate in the face of great opposition was the knowledge that he was the hope of the world – by his death and resurrection this world would have a real hope for real life, to be truly alive.
If you don’t accept that Jesus rose from the grave – what are you passionate about?
What gives you hope- peace- confidence – assurance- and promise of eternal life? Does it measure up to the claims and power of Jesus Christ? What makes the resurrection so significant? Why do we make such a big deal about it – can I be a Christian and not hold to this resurrection account?
The truth behind the resurrection is a matter of life and death.
Are you alive today? I think most if not all of us would say that is fairly obvious – I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t alive. I am breathing – moving around – I have a few brain waves happening – yes I am alive. I want to suggest that depending on how we respond to this account you may be here breathing – thinking yet be very much dead.
Listen to what the Apostle Paul clearly teaches about the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Paul tells us it is of most importance – it is the central message of the Christian faith this great news.
1 Corinthians 15:1-8 - by this gospel you are saved – vs 2 Here is the good news – vs 3 – Paul makes sure he gives an account of eye witnesses who saw Jesus Christ alive after his crucifixion. 1 Corinthians 15: 12-19 Vs. 17 If Christ has not been raised – your faith is futile – useless- meaningless. You are still in your sin. Jesus went to the cross not for a political cause or to create a movement of followers.
Any martyr can do that.
But the cross and the resurrection has everything to do with this thing called sin.
Which weather we like to admit it or not we all have. It is like going to the doctor and your checked out and the doctor says you have a cancer growing in you it need to be dealt with and you say – no I don’t I don’t feel anything so I think I am just fine. If not dealt with sooner or latter it will take its toil- if it is not dealt with.
In Ephesians 2:1 Paul tell us that in our sinful condition – which we are in if we do not accept the resurrection of Jesus Christ – we are dead.
You may be here today – thinking you are totally alive – that the question of weather you are alive or not has a rather simple answer – but even if you are breathing – thinking and walking around – the most significant part of you may be dead.
That is how much the resurrection factors into our life.
Without a resurrected Jesus we are still dead. From a spiritual stand point – If Jesus is still in the grave we are dead in our relationship to God.
When the women went to the grave – and heard the word he is not here he alive – he is raised from the dead just as he said. That event made it possible for all who will accept this event by faith – our willingness to trust that Jesus paid the price for my sin and was victorious over death- and victorious over sin – we saw this on Good Friday how God turns away from Jesus because he could no took upon sin, but the after the resurrection Jesus was going back to the Father – totally accepted – sin has been dealt with.
Because of the resurrection we too can be made truly alive in our relationship with God.
He can now accept us based on the resurrected living Christ.
Because he lives we too can live. Ephesians 2: 4- 5
But because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.
Vs. 8 – For it is by grace you have been saved through faith – it is a gift of God.
Are you living in the power of the resurrection?
Where do we stand to day regarding the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
There are really only two options –accept it or reject it… the choice is ours.
It is the most important choice you will make…
It is really a matter of life and death – and it is a matter of how passionate and committed we are to the one who died for us and has the power to defeat death.
AS we embrace the risen Lord – we can experience the same transformation that the early Christians experience and see our world transformed by that same power today.
Quasar92
who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; 
