Tag Archives: Resurrection

Luke 24- Christ Is Risen

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Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Luke 24:1-6

The resurrection of Jesus Christ, the greatest day in the history of the world. The day when God defeated sin and death forever and reconciled us back to the Father. This was all accomplished in a way that was beyond our human comprehension. Nobody ever expected God to become a man, in Jesus Christ, and die for the penalty of our sins. Then be risen on the 3rd day abolishing sin and death forever. The mystery of the gospel was fulfilled on this blessed Sunday morning!

As we see the woman came to the tomb on the first day of the week, which is Sunday. This is why the Church traditionally worshiped and gathered on Sunday morning, it had nothing to do with paganism or greek mythology, this was all about the event of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The entire Christian faith is based on this event, as Paul said “If Christ is not risen, then we are faith is useless” ( 1 Corinthians 15:14) Without the resurrection of Christ , there is no Christianity, there is no deliverance from your sin, there is no reconciliation back to our Heavenly Father. 

He is not here, He is Risen, this is what the angels declared at the tomb. Remember how he spoke to you when he was at Galilee?  Jesus foretold of this moment , however the disciples didn’t understand until the tomb was empty!

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, And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. 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. Luke 24:7-12

It says “They remembered His words” When the disciples saw the empty tomb, a lightbulb went off in their heads, The Lord prophesied about this moment and now it has been fulfilled. Now when the woman disciples originally ran back to the male disciples, they didn’t believe them. So Peter ran to the tomb to check for himself, it was just as the woman said, the tomb was empty! The Lord has Risen!

The stone has been rolled away, no longer is their a veil, a barrier between us and God. We have now been reconciled back to God, sin and death are defeated because Christ The Lord has Risen today! Hallelujah! 

Acts 25- Resurrection of Christ

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Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth. Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters. Acts 25:17-20

Paul was now on trial at Caesarea with the Romans and the Jews, while King Agrippa was in town paying his respects to Festus, they reviewed Paul’s case. King Agrippa was a Herod, the family line of ruthless King Herod. King Agrippa was known for his persecution of Christians , however Festus wants to get King Agrippa’s opinion on Paul’s case before they send him to Caesar.

When it came time to prosecute Paul, the charge brought against him was believing in the resurrection of Christ! This shows you the importance of the resurrection of Christ, that the Jews wanted Paul dead for preaching the gospel. 

But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar. Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. Tomorrow, said he, thou shalt hear him. And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus’ commandment Paul was brought forth. Acts 25:21-23

It’s interesting because God set up an appointment for Paul to preach the gospel to King Herod Agrippa. Even the Herods have no excuse when they stand before The Lord on judgment day, as the gospel was preached. It’s amazing Paul has been in prison now for over 2 years, and on trial in front of the Roman royalty, and his only charge is really being a Christian! 

And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer. But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him. Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write. For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him. Acts 25:24-27

The Jews wanted Paul to be put to death, but as his trial revealed Pauls only crime is being a Christian. God is using this moment to glorify Christ and to bring revelation of his gospel to the Gentile nations

If you were on trial today for your faith, would you be found guilty as a Christian? Is there enough evidence to prove you are a Christian? Be not afraid for God is with you in Jesus name Amen!

Mark 16- The Resurrection of Christ

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And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. Mark 16:1-4

There is a good reason why Easter is the biggest day in Christianity, because as the Apostle Paul said “Without the Resurrection our faith would be worthless” (1 Corinthians 15:17) The Resurrection of Christ is the central theme of our faith, all our hope and victory is through the Resurrection of Jesus. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow! Jesus has defeated sin and death forever!

Notice , the woman discovered the tomb on Sunday morning, this is stated in all the 4 gospels. This is why Christians began worshipping on Sunday morning, to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, there is no paganism or conspiracy theory about Sunday. It became “The Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10) when Jesus walked out of that Tomb!

And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. Mark 16:5-7

The greatest words spoken “He Is Risen” , the grip of sin and death have been broken by Christ, the head of Satan was crushed, Jesus has now reconciled us back to our Heavenly Father through his death and resurrection. If the resurrection didn’t happen, we would still be dead in our sins, we wouldn’t have the living hope of Jesus, because He lives , we can now always face tomorrow!

So what were they told to do “Go tell everyone” , God wants us to share the good news (gospel) about the Resurrection of Christ, because of what Jesus accomplished, there will always be good news in a dark world. We have victory because of Christ alone!

And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid. 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. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. Mark 16:8-10

Notice again it states “Jesus was risen on the first day of the week (Sunday)” There is no mistake Christ was Risen on Sunday, this is why Sunday is The Lord’s Day. Secondly notice what Mary did after Jesus told her He is Risen, she went and told them! Mary and the disciples were fulfilling “The Great Commision” “Go and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15) These are our marching orders!

Christ The Lord Is Risen Today, as the old hymn celebrates! Alleluia! Share the good news of Jesus Christ with everyone you meet! We have victory over Sin and Death because Jesus Is Risen! Amen!

Romans 12- The Resurrection of Christ

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But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Romans 8:11

As we just finished celebrating the Resurrection of Christ this Sunday, it’s time to ponder, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is living inside of You! As we are already amazed how Jesus defeated sin and death forever, rising eternally , God has promised as Christians we are to have the Holy Spirit living inside of us!

First thing as Holy Week should be fresh in everyone’s minds, none of this would be possible without Jesus willingly going to the cross to pay the debt for our sins, and rising on Easter Sunday morning! 

But now that you are Born Again in Christ, the Holy Spirit is living inside of You. Reminds me of when Jesus cleansed the Temple before going to the cross. As a Christian you cleansed your body of sin by the blood of Christ and now are filled with the New Wine, the Holy Spirit

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  Romans 8:12-13

The struggle with sin is still real, even though you are a new creature in Christ, you are imprisoned by the flesh. Sinful desires and thoughts haunt us, however we have an Advocate, The Holy Spirit, who will empower us to overcome our sin. And we have the blood of Christ to cleanse us from our sin!

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Romans 8:14-15

Because of what Christ accomplished at the cross and the tomb, we are now Children of God! We can now call God “Abba Father” because we have been adopted through the blood of Christ

When you understand all of this, you understand how glorious the Resurrection of Christ is and why its the central theme of our faith , Amen!

Jesus Is Risen Part 5

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For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

These scriptures recorded by the Apostle Paul are considered the first official “Creed” of Christianity. This is very compelling evidence of the resurrection as this was believed to be documented within 5 years of the resurrection. From a historical perspective this is very early evidence and almost unheard of.

As we see, the death and resurrection of Jesus is the central theme of Christianity. This is the core of our beliefs, without the death and resurrection of Christ, we would still be dead in our sins!

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 1 Corinthians 15:5-7

Notice this for eyewitness accounts, Jesus not only appeared to Peter (Cephas) and the rest of the Apostles. But Jesus then appeared to over 500 eye witnesses , many who were still alive when Paul wrote this. Remember after Jesus resurrection, he remained for 40 days until he ascended back to Heaven.

And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 1 Corinthians 15:8-9

How about the Apostle Paul as an eye witness, here is a man who hated Christians to the point he hunted them down and was responsible for the death of Stephen. However when he met Christ on the Road to Damascus, he became transformed and is arguably the greatest preacher in Christian history, writing over half of the New Testament

Jesus Is Risen! Just as he transformed the lives of many including Paul, he can transform your life also because He Lives! Amen!

 

Jesus Is Risen Part 4

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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. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept Mark 16:9-10

As we see again from the gospel of Mark, Mary Magdalene, who was freed from seven demons was the first to see the Risen Jesus. Also notice how it described the disciples, they were weeping and mourning over the loss of their Lord Jesus

However Mary went to tell them the good news (Gospel) that Jesus Is Risen! Imagine their response when they first heard this! Imagine when they thought Jesus was dead and now realized that He is Risen forever!

And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. Mark 16:11-12

But look what it says, even though Mary seen Jesus with her own eyes, they didn’t believe her! Even though Jesus told them countless times, he was going to be resurrected, they didn’t remember and they didn’t believe

Now for the next 40 days Jesus would make numerous appearances to his disciples and hundreds of other people. Here he appeared to two of his disciples to reveal He Is Risen

And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. Mark 16:13

Those two disciples went back to report that Jesus Is Risen also, and guess what they still didn’t believe! Does this sound familiar? Does this sound a lot like people today? There are still many people today who still don’t believe Jesus Is Risen! What is it going to take for you to believe?

Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. Mark 16:17

Later Jesus came and appeared to the rest of the disciples and notice what he did, he rebuked them! Why? Because of the hardness of their hearts! Even though they had multiple witnesses to his resurrection , they still hardened their hearts and didn’t believe

Are you still hardening your heart today? There were hundreds of eye witnesses of the resurrected Jesus, receive him today because He Is Risen!

Jesus Is Risen Part 3

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But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. John 20:11-12

As Mary Magdalene looked into the empty tomb ,she was full of sorrow as she thought her Lord Jesus was not only dead but the body was stolen! However what she was soon to realize she was witnessing the greatest event in human history, Jesus Is Risen!

Now if we were to make up this Resurrection story, Mary Magdalene would be the last hero we would have chosen. A woman who was a former prostitute that was full of seven demons, has now become the first human to discover that Jesus Is Risen. This is how God works, he can restore what seems unfixable. He will call those who the world have casted away, this is the heart of the Resurrection Story

And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. John 20:13-14

Then a man appeared to her and started asking her why she was crying. What she didn’t realize that this was the Lord Jesus himself standing right before her. Why didn’t she recognize Christ? Because he was now in his glorified body, Jesus is now Risen forevermore, he has defeated sin and death!

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. John 20:15-16

Mary thought this man was actually the gardener until he called her name! Once Jesus called Mary immediately, she recognized that it was the Lord. Remember Jesus said “My Sheep hear and my voice and they know me”

Once Jesus calls you, you’ll never be the same again. We have living Hope because Jesus Is Risen and he has defeated the grave forevermore! Amen!

 

John 20- The Resurrection Part 3

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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. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. John 20:19-21

As we continue to look at the events of the Resurrection, we see when Jesus visited his disciples. As stated in the previous post, Jesus remained on Earth for 40 days until he ascended back to Heaven. As the Apostle Paul testified, Jesus was seen by over 500 people during this time period (1 Corinthians 15)

Notice Jesus showed the disciples the marks on his hands and his side, to verify it was him. Its very interesting even though Jesus has a Resurrected Body, he still bears the mark of his crucifixion, a reminder for all of us the love and sacrifice Christ demonstrated towards us 

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. John 20:22-24

Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit upon his disciples, the Breath of God. Notice the disciples were currently hiding in the upper room out of fear of the Romans, however now that they have the Holy Spirit, they will go out and preach the gospel and change the world. What a difference the Holy Spirit makes!

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, 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 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. John 20:25-26

Thomas, who was better known as “Doubting Thomas” wasnt there when Jesus visited the first time, so he had doubts that Christ really was resurrected. Can you relate with Thomas? Notice Jesus came back again, this time to personally visit Thomas

Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. John 20:27-29

Thomas said he wouldn’t believe unless he seen the marks on Jesus, Christ then instructed Thomas to touch the marks on his body. It was indeed the Risen Lord, the same Jesus that was crucified on the cross for our sins, is the same physical Jesus that rose from the tomb after 3 days!

Thomas declares Jesus is not only his Lord but also his God! Thomas understood Jesus is God in the flesh! If Jesus wasn’t God, he would have rebuked Thomas but he didn’t, if Jesus didn’t physically rise from the dead, then he would have the marks from the crucifixion.  The Lord your God has Risen indeed Amen!

John 20- The Resurrection Part 2

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But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. John 20:11-13

As we continue to take a look at the Resurrection Story here in the gospel of John, we see Mary Magdalene stayed behind because she was mourning the loss of Jesus. Now this showed alot of faith because The Tomb was a very dangerous place right now,  it was under watch by the Roman Empire, if they found her they probably would have thrown her in prison or maybe executed her

But her love for Christ was greater than the love for this world! Now she was crying also because she thought the body of Christ had been stolen, again showing the disciples didn’t fully understand the prophecy that Christ will be Risen, even though Jesus told them this multiple times throughout his ministry

And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. John 20: 14-16

Now this event is one of the great mysteries of The Bible, Mary was having a conversation with Jesus yet didn’t recognize him, why? Well first thought is Jesus is in his “Resurrected Body” a body that is perfect and immortal, just imagine some day you will also have a Resurrected Body, so glorious many wont recognize you!

However Mary does recognize Jesus by his words, as Jesus stated in John 10 “My Sheep know my voice” even though Mary didnt physically recognize Jesus , she knew him by his words, shows you how powerful words can be!

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. John 20: 17-18

Jesus’ statement here is used alot by “Anti-Trinitarians” who try to refute his Deity. Jesus declares his Father is his God and our God. Now the argument is “If Jesus is God then why did he call The Father God”? Well I think those who use this argument don’t really understand the doctrine of the Trinity, The Father, Son , and Holy Spirit are all separate yet they share one essence. So for Jesus to call the Father God is correct, just as we would call The Father God or the Son God or the Holy Spirit God. 

Mary goes to hug Jesus , however he states “Don’t touch me I have not yet ascended to my Father” As we know Jesus spent 40 days here on Earth after the Resurrection until he ascended back to his Father. He instructed her, to go tell all the disciples! As we know from Paul’s testimony in 1 Corinthians 15, over 500 people would witness the Resurrected Jesus before his ascension Amen!