Why the Resurrection?
Introduction
Example of Lee Strobel … and “The Case for Easter”
Also believed by Lord Dennington, Lord Halisham, Lord Mackay
Example of The Lord Chief Justice
Have you sifted the evidence?
Have you asked questions about the living God?
Why did Jesus rise from the dead?
Considering different texts
To meet our deepest fears
1 Cor 15:55-57
Sin had brought death into this world
The Ten Commandments reveal our sin and how far we have fallen short of God
There is victory over sin and death in the Lord Jesus Christ
Example of Habimus
Heb 2:14-15
Personal example
God gives you peace in natural fear of death
That we may face our deepest fears – to take away our fear of death
A proof of His deity
Miracles were a proof – examples
The resurrection – the final proof
A difference between the resurrection of Lazarus and Jesus
Only Jesus was raised to immortality
A prophet was present when others where raised but not when Christ was raised from the dead
Jesus is fully God
What is our response?
Are we like Thomas?
We must confess with our mouth
Confess and believe in Jesus and be saved
To fulfill prophecy
Ps 16:10
Isaiah references this
The Lord Jesus Christ on 3 occasions prophesied His death and resurrection
The disciples did not recognise these prophecies but the Jewish authorities did
1 Cor 15:3-4
To fulfill Scripture
A proof the Father had accepted Jesus’ sacrifice
Good Friday message – It is Finished
Rom 4:25
Jesus took our place on the cross and bore our sins and the full wrath of God
God was pleased with Jesus’ sacrifice
God raised Him from the dead
There is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus
Can you say that Jesus died and rose for you?
Do you love and trust Him?
Guaranteed the exhaltation and the glorification of Jesus
The resurrection is primarily for Him – for His glory
One day every knee will bow before Him
Rev 5:12
Guaranteed our glorification
The resurrection also guarantees our future glorification
Jesus if the first fruits from the dead
We are the crop that follows
1 Cor 15:20
Death is temporary for those who believe
Example of Christian Song
To be the judge of the living and the dead
The apostles often preached with a warning
When Jesus comes again to the judge the living and the dead – there will be a final judgment
Hell is a real place that must be avoided
Jesus warned all to take refuge in Him
Are you trusting in Jesus?
Do not worry about what others think
Do not worry about the cost
Closing Remarks