I grew up watching Sesame Street. I remember this game where the TV screen was filled with four objects, three of them belonged together and one of them was not like the others. The point of the game was to pick the object that didn’t belong in the group. So lets play the game. Consider the four objects: Easter Eggs, The Easter Bunny, Easter Candy, Resurrection of Jesus. Which three belong together and which one does not?
The resurrection stands alone!
The resurrection of Jesus is that single moment that brings clarity and validity to the Christian faith and to the promises made in the bible. There are over 300 biblical verses that speak of the resurrection of Jesus. All through the Bible, the resurrection is what we are pointed to and our proof that Jesus is who He said He is and has done what He said He’ll do. If what Jesus says about rising from the dead in three days (which only God can do) actually happens, then we know Jesus and His Gospel is legit.
Have you ever wondered about the path you are taking in life and the journey you are on? We’re all going somewhere. Here’s the question: “Where are you going and where is it leading to?” Since we’re all on a journey!
Where are you going? Where is it taking you?
I’ve hooked my wagon on Jesus. I have every confidence that I’m following the right guy and am on the right road that leads to heaven and life eternal. Why? I go back to the Bible and listen to a leader of the Christian movement issue a fascinating summary of their claim as Christians:
“And face it—if there’s no resurrection for Christ, everything we’ve told you is smoke and mirrors, and everything you’ve staked your life on is smoke and mirrors. Not only that, but we would be guilty of telling a string of barefaced lies about God, all these affidavits we passed on to you verifying that God raised up Christ—sheer fabrications, if there’s no resurrection.
If corpses can’t be raised, then Christ wasn’t, because he was indeed dead. And if Christ wasn’t raised, then all you’re doing is wandering about in the dark, as lost as ever. It’s even worse for those who died hoping in Christ and resurrection, because they’re already in their graves. If all we get out of Christ is a little inspiration for a few short years, we’re a pretty sorry lot. But the truth is that Christ has been raised up, the first in a long legacy of those who are going to leave the cemeteries.”
(1 Corinthians 15:14-20 Message)
The bible isn’t hedging its bets. Straight out – If Jesus didn’t rise from death, this whole Christian thing crumbles. Nothing can be claimed: No forgiveness, no family of God, no eternal life, no heaven.
“But the truth is that Christ has been raised up, the first in a long legacy of those who are going to leave the cemeteries.”
Pastor Mark
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