The Significance of the Resurrection

Below are some thoughts from Dr. Warren Wiersbe on the resurrection.  I thought you would enjoy.

“We must never underestimate the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The world believes that Jesus died, but the world does not believe that He arose from the dead. Peter's message at Pentecost emphasized the Resurrection. In fact, it is emphasized throughout the Book of Acts. What is the significance of the Resurrection?

It proves that Jesus is God's Son. Jesus stated that He had authority to lay down His life and to take it up again (John 10:17-18).

It verifies the truth of Scripture. Both in the Old Testament and in the teaching of Jesus, His resurrection is clearly taught (see Pss. 16:10; 110:1). If Jesus had not come out of the tomb, then these Scriptures would not be true.

It assures our own future resurrection. Because Jesus died and rose again, we shall one day be raised to be like Him (1 Thes. 4:13-18). In fact, the entire structure of the Christian faith rests on the foundation of the Resurrection. If we do away with His resurrection, we have no hope.

It is the proof of a future judgment. "Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man who He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead" (Acts 17:31).

It is the basis for Christ's heavenly priesthood. Because He lives by the power of an endless life, He is able to save us "to the uttermost" (Heb. 7:23-28). He lives to intercede for us.

It gives power for Christian living. We cannot live for God by our own strength. It is only as His resurrection power works in and through us that we can do His will and glorify His name (see Rom. 6:4).

It assures our future inheritance. Because we have a living hope, we can experience hopeful living. A dead hope grows weaker and weaker before it eventually dies. But because Jesus Christ is alive, we have a glorious future (see 1 Peter 1:3-5).

Whenever God's people gather on the Lord's Day they bear witness that Jesus is alive and that the church has received spiritual blessings. When the followers of the Lord gathered that first Lord's Day, they were discourged and defeated.”

Bible Exposition Commentary (BE Series) - New Testament - The Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament, Volume 1.

I think the most wonderful thing about the resurrection is that you and I can come to know the risen Savior personally, and in so doing we receive redemption, forgiveness and a home in heaven. Since we know the risen Christ personally, we can learn to walk in fellowship with him throughout our journey. It is my prayer that we will learn to trust him for his strength, comfort, joy and peace in the midst of life‘s troubles, disappointments, challenges, blessings and adventures.

 - Paul Luttrell / Senior Pastor

Overcomer

Once again we have been painfully reminded of the evil and corruption that is a part of our world. Sadly, a quick scan of the news shows us how bad humans are to one another. The world, and strangely enough most believers, are left wondering what, if anything, can be done. Some advocate more laws, more government and more money to be spent on this or that program in order to combat the horror of the day.

     But is that what the Word of God tells us? How can we defeat evil? We can start overcoming evil by doing good. The apostle Paul was very explicit in this when writing to the Romans: 'Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To

the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink: for by doing so you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.' Romans 12:17-21

     It really doesn't get much clearer than that, does it? It's not through government, wars, grandstanding, name-calling, or blame-games that evil is defeated - it's by doing good. One of my all-time favorite authors wrote that 'Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.' - J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

     Being kind to each other - those we know, as well as those we do not know - will combat more evil that the most powerful weapon man has yet to devise. Of course the greatest, yet simplest, act of kindness and love we can do for anyone is sharing the Gospel. There have been some dark and downright bizarre times in history, and often they paralleled a neglect of the Gospel by believers. It is only through the transforming power of the Gospel that any of us have any hope. It is only through the transforming power of the Gospel that can make bad people good, that a society can be changed. The Gospel is the light that scatters the darkness.

 - Ray Perdue  //  Men's Ministry Director