Easter Sunday

The jist of the sermon. Jesus is alive!

Subject: Why is the ressurection true.

Complements:
1. It is a pragmatic fact.
- Why will Romans/Jews/Christians hide Jesus' body?
Lets look at the cost n benefits.

Romans: HIde Jesus' body.
Benefits: If Christ were to come alive, they can stop him just in time to prevent a revolt among the jews. Jesus was the contentious subject that was costing governace to be a chore.
Costs: Many guards will have to die just in order that Jesus may be well hiden. Not many guards die.

Jews
Benefits: Hide the body and close the speculation that Jesus will resurrect. it will be a good move. BUT why didnt the jews expose the disciples then?

The disciples
Benefits: To change the world! Come on friends! They so know that 12 lives can change the world, they schemed and designed the gospels and even die for it so that Jesus may be proven true. No.
I am pretty sure that they didnt die for anything. 11/12 of the disciples died a matyr's death.

And if anyone of these people are keeping Jesus' body, they would have exposed each other's lies.

2. The resurrection is a psychological fact

A bunch of cowards'lives were changed. When Jesus was crucified, they immediately abandoned Jesus. Peter denied Jesus 3 times. The rest went into hiding. And a week later, the same group of people rose up on their feet and proclaimed that Jesus is alive, they died doing it. Can a lie compell people to lay down their lives? Other than the fact that hey must have really met the risen Christ.

3. The resurrection is an experiential fact.

Jesus did not leave us as orphans but have left us with the Holy Spirit (John 15-18 expounded on the holy spirit) And the Spirit moves amongst us. Jesus's resurrection can be experienced through the holy spirit. If there are so many people saying that God has touched them in a special way i.e, healing, speaking, signs, miracles etc. Then either they are crazy OR Jesus is indeed walking amongst us.


Some thoughts:
In our sharing with our friends about God's reality in our lives...Is it second hand? "God did this for me many years back...." God gives us daily bread each day. Is the resurrection true in our lives?

Is Jesus alive in you? Or is He only alive many years back.

God wants to do a special work in our lives. Make that your prayer. Pray for healing for others. Pray for 5 people this week, lay hands on them and see God work through you!