But what we do today is no different than any other Sunday Why are we here? At this time of year, many thinking of Jesus coming to this earth While scripture does not teach or authorize a special observance commemorating His birth, the fact is we are here (always) because He was born But what we do today is no different than any other Sunday

Why are we here? He came to this earth to provide the atoning sacrifice for our sins. We are here because Jesus died and arose from the dead. Our HOPE rests in this!

HOPE in the Resurrection of Jesus

Preaching the Resurrection Jesus, promised He would rise again – Matthew 16:21, 17:22-23, 26:32; John 11:25 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, central to the gospel 1 Corinthians 15:12-19, If Christ is NOT raised, we are most pitiable

Preaching the Resurrection Central to preaching in Acts: Acts 2:22-36, Jesus is raised, David is not Acts 3:9-12, Peter before the council Acts 5:28-32 Acts 10:39-40, Peter teaching Cornelius and his house

Preaching the Resurrection Central to preaching in Acts: Acts 13:13-31, Preaching in Antioch of Pisidia (much like Pentecost) Acts 17:31-32, in Athens, to Gentiles, including philosophers Acts 23:6, Paul judged concerning the resurrection Acts 24:15, before Felix

Preaching the Resurrection Most of the epistles mention or appeal to His resurrection Romans 1:4, declared the Son of God by the resurrection 1 Corinthians 15, Jesus arose! 2 Corinthians 4:14, raised Him and will raise us Galatians 1:1, Paul an apostle of Jesus, raised

Preaching the Resurrection Most of the epistles mention or appeal to His resurrection Ephesians 1:20, the greatness of God’s power Philippians 3:10-11, the power of His resurrection Colossians 2:12, buried with Him, raised with Him…

Preaching the Resurrection Most of the epistles mention or appeal to His resurrection 1 Thessalonians 1:10, wait for the Son, whom God raised 2 Timothy 2:8, Jesus was raised from the dead 1 Peter 1:3, a living hope through His resurrection

Our Hope in the Resurrection We live our lives in hope! Hebrews 11:26, like Moses who “looked to the reward” Romans 5:1-5, we persevere and it produces hope Romans 12:12, rejoicing in hope Ephesians 1:18, the hope of His calling

Our Hope in the Resurrection Because He was raised… 1 Peter 1:3, our living hope through His resurrection 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, we do not sorrow as those who have no hope Hebrews 6:19-20, our anchor 1 John 3:3, we purify ourselves

Why Hope in the Resurrection 1 Peter 3:15, we are called upon to give a defense for our hope

Why Hope in the Resurrection In scripture, the resurrection was emphasized and defended Each gospel account records numerous appearances. Jesus assured them it was Him and that He had physically arose Luke 24:36-43, John 20:26-29 1 Corinthians 15:4-8

Why Hope in the Resurrection In scripture, the resurrection was emphasized and defended Matthew 28:11-15, records guards being bribed to say the body was stolen Acts 1:3, He presented Himself alive, “by many infallible proofs…” Acts 26:7-8, Paul before Agrippa

Why Hope in the Resurrection The resurrection is the primary focus of critics, including in scripture: Disprove the resurrection, you destroy the Christian faith! Acts 4:2, disturbed that they preached the resurrection Acts 17:30-32, some mocked Acts 26:22-26, Agrippa told Paul he “you are beside yourself” (out of his mind)

The Resurrection proves: That miracles exist – it was a genuine miracle! That there is a God – miracles prove the existence of a divine creator OUTSIDE of natural law The God of the Bible IS the ONE true God (cf. Acts 17:30-31)

The Resurrection proves: That God directly interacts with man – He is a personal, active God that loves and cares about us John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-16, Romans 5:8 Jesus is our only source of hope –John 14:6, Romans 1:4 – declared to be the Son of God

The Resurrection proves: Therefore we need to follow the New Testament – NO other (sacred) religion declares Jesus as resurrected. IF He arose, we need the New Testament! There is reason to be faithful –2 Corinthians 4:14, 4:16-5:8 – we walk by faith. ONLY Christianity gives proof of life beyond this world! 1 Cor. 15:19

1 Corinthians 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

What does His resurrection mean to you?