Mt. 28:1-8; 1 Cor. 15:17-20 Christianity stands or falls on Jesus’ resurrection. If he was not raised, Jesus lied and deceived people. But if he defeated death, as he said he would, it proves that he is the sinless Son of God, our Lord, and savior. What evidence supports Jesus’ resurrection?
This is the focus of Day 3 in, Walk in Newness of Life. I wrote this devotional as a tool to lead people to Jesus, encourage fellow believers in their walk with the Lord, and equip us to disciple others as Jesus said to do Mt. 28:18-20.
Our faith in God’s existence, the assurance that God inspired all Scripture, his word, as absolute truth, that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, will be challenged and tested. What do you base your faith in God and his word on? Can you share it with others 1 Pet. 3:15?
I wrote that the resurrection of Jesus is supported by eyewitness testimonies, the empty tomb, and changed lives of those who saw Jesus after he was raised from the dead.
God’s word records multiple eyewitness testimonies of those who saw Jesus, interacted with him, touched him, and ate with him after his resurrection. These accounts came from a variety of people, at different times, and in different locations. 1 Cor. 15:5-8 When this letter was written, it would have been easy to confirm, or deny, these claims.
Acts 1:1-5 Why did Jesus suffer and die on the cross? To show how much God loves us, to pay for our sins, and restore us to right relationship with God. After Jesus ascended, he sent God’s Spirit to indwell & empower his followers. Acts 4:7-10; 5:40-42 They boldly proclaimed that Jesus was alive, and willingly suffered persecution, confiscation of their goods, imprisonment, torture, and even death for their testimony. Others suffer for their causes; some are deceived. The difference is that these eyewitnesses knew if Jesus was alive or not. They saw Jesus. Jesus changed their lives, (including Paul) and Jesus is still changing lives today.
How does Jesus change lives today? Acts 15:6-9 Jesus changes us by cleansing our hearts through the Spirit. He convicts us of our sin, of unbelief, and draws us to be- lieve in our hearts the truth of God’s word that Jesus is Lord.
The process of change is a work of God’s grace in us to grow in Christlikeness Phil. 2:12, 13. Our part is to stay in close fellowship with the Lord by doing God’s word. He doesn’t save us just to take us to heaven one day. He saves us to use us to bring his kingdom and will to earth right now.
Jesus is still changing lives because he is alive. He is our very present help in time of need. He is our shepherd, our peace, our provider, healer, victory, and righteousness.
The Lord is near Acts 17:26-34.
Is the Lord working in your heart and changing you to grow in Christlikeness?
Will you believe God’s word and open your heart to him?