Evidence from the Resurrection

Evidence from the Resurrection
Pastor Miles
March 31, 2013

Christianity is based on the reality of Christ's resurrection.

1. Can you prove the resurrection of Jesus?
Based on legal historical records.
The existence of the church is the direct result of Jesus' resurrection.

2. How do you explain the birth of the church?
- different races and cultures
- different religious backgrounds
- different educational and social backgrounds
The birth of the church can only be explained by the resurrection of Christ

3. What was the message of the church?
The primary message of the early church is that Jesus rose from the dead and that they were witnesses of this.
God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. (Acts 2:32 NIV)
You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. (Acts 3:15 NIV)
"We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. (Acts 10:39, 40 NIV)
But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our people. (Acts 13:30, 31 NIV)
The message of the church was the truth of the resurrection of Jesus.

4. What about the miracles in the church?
When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. (Acts 3:12, 16 NIV)
If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. (Acts 4:9, 10 NIV)
The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. (Acts 5:12 NIV)
For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. (Acts 8:7 NIV)
So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. (Acts 14:3 NIV)

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. (Acts 9:36-42 NIV)

He is risen!
His death and resurrection is a defining moment in history.
It is also a defining moment in our lives.
Easter is a time not just to remember Jesus' resurrection but to also claim His power in our lives.