Resurrection: Historical Evidence and Transformative Hope

Devotional

Day 1: Forensic Faith: A Foundation Built on Evidence

The resurrection of Jesus is not just a matter of faith but is supported by historical evidence, providing a solid foundation for belief. This forensic faith is grounded in multiple lines of evidence, including the execution of Jesus, early creeds, eyewitness accounts, and the empty tomb. These elements collectively affirm the reality of the resurrection, offering believers a reasoned basis for their faith. The historical nature of these events dispels the notion of the resurrection as a mere legend, instead presenting it as a pivotal moment in history that has been scrutinized and validated. [08:27]

1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (ESV): "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep."

Reflection: Consider a time when you faced doubt in your faith. How can the historical evidence of the resurrection strengthen your belief today?

Day 2: Transformation Through Belief: Lives Changed by the Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus has the power to transform lives, as evidenced by individuals like John Wesley and John Newton, whose encounters with Jesus led to profound personal change. This transformative power is not limited to historical figures but is available to all who believe. The resurrection offers a new beginning, a chance to leave behind old ways and embrace a life of purpose and hope. It is a testament to the life-altering impact of faith, demonstrating that belief in Jesus can lead to significant and lasting change. [22:56]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you desire transformation. How can you invite Jesus into this area to experience His transformative power?

Day 3: The Empty Tomb: Evidence of Victory Over Death

The empty tomb stands as a powerful testament to the resurrection of Jesus, providing compelling evidence of His victory over death. Eyewitness accounts, including those of skeptics who became believers, further affirm the reality of this event. The empty tomb is not just a historical fact but a symbol of hope, reminding us that death has been defeated and that eternal life is available to all who believe. This evidence challenges us to consider the implications of the resurrection for our own lives and faith. [18:25]

Acts 2:24 (ESV): "God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it."

Reflection: How does the reality of the empty tomb impact your understanding of life and death? What does it mean for you personally that Jesus has conquered death?

Day 4: Evangelistic Power: The Global Impact of the Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus has fueled the spread of the Gospel, leading billions to faith and transforming worship practices around the world. This evangelistic power demonstrates the enduring impact of the resurrection, as it continues to inspire and draw people to Jesus. The message of the resurrection is one of hope and redemption, offering a new way of life to all who believe. As believers, we are called to share this message with others, participating in the global mission to spread the good news of Jesus' victory over death. [27:23]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of the resurrection? How can you share this hope with them in a meaningful way today?

Day 5: Promise of Eternal Life: Assurance of Heaven

The resurrection assures us of eternal life, offering hope and assurance that heaven is real and awaits all who believe. This promise of life beyond death is a cornerstone of our faith, providing comfort and joy in the face of life's uncertainties. The resurrection is a declaration that death has been defeated, and through Jesus, we have access to eternal life. As we hold onto this promise, we are encouraged to live with hope and purpose, knowing that our future is secure in Christ. [27:23]

John 11:25-26 (ESV): "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'"

Reflection: How does the promise of eternal life influence your daily decisions and priorities? What steps can you take to live with an eternal perspective today?

Sermon Summary

In today's exploration of the resurrection, we delved into the profound significance of this cornerstone of our faith. The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a story of hope but a historical event backed by compelling evidence. We began by acknowledging the moments in life when we face loss and doubt, questioning the reality of life after death. In these moments, the resurrection offers us assurance and hope, not as a blind leap of faith, but as a forensic faith grounded in historical evidence.

The resurrection of Jesus is supported by multiple lines of evidence, which I refer to as the "seven E's." First, the execution of Jesus is a historical fact, undisputed by reputable scholars. The brutal reality of crucifixion underscores the certainty of His death. Second, the early circulation of facts, with creeds emerging mere months after the resurrection, dispels the notion of it being a legend. Third, eyewitness accounts from individuals like Peter, Thomas, and Paul, who transformed from skeptics to believers, provide powerful testimony. Fourth, the empty tomb, acknowledged even by Jesus' opponents, stands as a testament to His resurrection.

The fifth point is the transformative power of belief in Jesus, as seen in the lives of individuals like John Wesley and John Newton, who experienced profound personal change. The sixth is the evangelistic power of the resurrection, which has led billions to faith and transformed worship practices. Finally, the promise of eternal life assures us that heaven is real and awaits all who believe.

The resurrection is not just a historical event but a living reality that offers us life, hope, and a reason to believe. It is a declaration that death has been defeated, and through Jesus, we have access to eternal life. As we reflect on these truths, may our faith be strengthened, and may we be emboldened to share this hope with a world in need.

Key Takeaways

1. altering impact of faith. [22:56]
3. The Empty Tomb and Eyewitness Accounts: The empty tomb and the testimony of eyewitnesses, including skeptics who became believers, provide compelling evidence for the resurrection. These accounts affirm the reality of Jesus' victory over death.

4. Evangelistic Power and Global Impact: The resurrection has fueled the spread of the Gospel, leading billions to faith and transforming worship practices. This evangelistic power demonstrates the enduring impact of the resurrection on the world.

5. Promise of Eternal Life: The resurrection assures us of eternal life, offering hope and assurance that heaven is real and awaits all who believe. This promise of life beyond death is a cornerstone of our faith and a source of great joy.

** [22:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Introduction to the Resurrection Series
[02:15] - The Importance of the Resurrection
[04:00] - Forensic Faith and Historical Evidence
[08:27] - The Seven E's of Evidence
[10:45] - Execution of Jesus
[14:19] - Early Circulation of Facts
[16:30] - Eyewitness Accounts
[18:25] - The Empty Tomb
[20:00] - Transformative Power of Belief
[22:56] - Stories of Personal Change
[25:30] - Evangelistic Power
[27:23] - Promise of Eternal Life
[29:00] - Conclusion and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading
- Acts 1:1-3: "The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God."
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-8: "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also."

Observation Questions

What are the "many convincing proofs" mentioned in Acts 1:3 that Jesus presented to His apostles after His resurrection? [08:27]
According to 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, who were some of the individuals and groups that Jesus appeared to after His resurrection?
How does the sermon describe the transformation of individuals like Peter and Paul after witnessing the resurrection? [18:25]
What role do the early creeds play in supporting the historical evidence of the resurrection according to the sermon? [14:19]

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of "forensic faith" challenge the idea of faith being a blind leap, as discussed in the sermon? [08:27]
In what ways does the resurrection provide assurance and hope in moments of doubt and loss, as mentioned in the sermon? [08:27]
How does the sermon illustrate the transformative power of belief in Jesus through the stories of John Wesley and John Newton? [22:56]
What is the significance of the empty tomb and the eyewitness accounts in affirming the reality of Jesus' resurrection? [18:25]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you faced doubt or loss. How did the assurance of the resurrection impact your perspective during that time? [08:27]
Consider someone in your life who is skeptical about the resurrection. How can you use the "seven E's" of evidence to engage them in a meaningful conversation about faith? [08:27]
The sermon highlights the transformative power of belief. In what ways has your faith in the resurrection led to personal change in your life? [22:56]
How can the promise of eternal life influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [27:23]
The sermon mentions the global impact of the resurrection on worship practices. How has the resurrection shaped your approach to worship and community within the church? [27:23]
Identify a specific area in your life where you need to embrace the hope and assurance offered by the resurrection. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in this area? [08:27]
How can you share the message of the resurrection with someone who is struggling with the fear of death or the loss of a loved one? [08:27]

Sermon Clips

You may be seated and turn your Bibles to Acts chapter 1 and over to 1 Corinthians chapter 15 as we continue our series on the resurrection. We've been kind of new to our church all month long, been focusing on the resurrection. We began looking at how Jesus raised the dead. For example, Lazarus, he raised him from the dead, and that was a game changer. And then last Sunday we were talking about the resurrection of believers, the day that one day Jesus will call your name and you too, like Jesus, will have a physical resurrection. [00:00:00] (26 seconds)

And at that moment in time, you're going to have to ask yourself, now what? And maybe during that time, there'll be a flood of doubt. Will I see them again? Will I know that they're in heaven? How can I know? How can I believe any of this? Is there any evidence? Or is this all just wishful thinking? Is this just some sort of blind leap of faith? And I want to say this morning that what we believe is not a blind leap. [00:00:55] (25 seconds)

We call this forensic faith, and our forensic faith shows us and tells us there is reason to believe in the greatest thing that happened in this world, the resurrection of Jesus. Or maybe that's not your story. Maybe your story's a little different. Maybe you're going, you know what? I've got the confidence mark. I've got the assurance. But I have a brother-in-law who doesn't believe anything, and they're always asking me questions. And they're always saying how us Christians, you know, we're not very smart, and we just have this blind faith. [00:01:04] (29 seconds)

Luke writes, Acts chapter one. Luke, the physician who wrote, of course, the gospel, according to Luke, is now giving us his sequel. And here's what he says in Acts chapter one, verse one. He says, the first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach. Until the day when he was taken up after he had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom he had chosen. To these he also presented himself alive after his suffering by many convincing proofs. [00:02:13] (38 seconds)

Many convincing proofs. Appearing to them over a period of 40 days and speaking to the things concerning the kingdom of God. Now over in first Corinthians chapter 15, the apostle Paul now writes why he believes in the resurrection. Again, he quotes a creed that had been circulated during this time. He says this in verse three. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the scripture. That he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures. [00:02:21] (41 seconds)

And last of all, as it were to one untimely born, he appeared to me also. For I am the least of the apostles, who not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God, I am what I am. And his grace toward me did not prove vain. But I labored even more than all of them. Yet not I, but the grace of God with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach. And so you believe. [00:03:48] (33 seconds)

Once again, in the college classroom, a professor was asking his students, how many of you believe in the resurrection? And no one wanted to say too much at that moment in time. And then the question was, how do we know that Jesus rose from the dead? And once again, the students were quiet. No one wanted to say too much. There was that deer in the headlight look. And finally, one student declared, we know that Jesus rose from the dead the same way we know that George Washington was the first president. [00:04:40] (31 seconds)

He goes on to say, we have proximity. In other words, people were around these events and they recorded these events. There's archaeological confirmation, circumstantial results that went and strapped it like backwards. We know that indeed, George Washington was president. We have a constitution. There was a Revolutionary War, and the United States is the result. He goes on to say, the church of Jesus Christ is a result of a empty tomb 2,000 years ago. We are the results of that. [00:06:29] (28 seconds)

That's why today the most critical of scholars will declare the New Testament in general and the Gospels in particular, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, are historical accounts. It's not make-believe. That's why Luke talks about people like Caesar Augustus and Pilate and other historical figures. When you look at the data that you see there in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, you're talking about real events and real people. It's not once upon a time in a land far away. [00:07:49] (31 seconds)

Because it declares that death has been defeated. Death is not the end. That's why Paul says, oh, death, where is your victory? Oh, death, where is your sting? It also declares this, that by the resurrection of Jesus, it claims he is everything he claims to be. That he is the resurrection. He is the life. He is the way. He is the truth. That he is the giver, the author of life. And that what he offers, once again, he fulfills. [00:08:26] (27 seconds)