Resurrection: Reality, Results and Response

This message was preached by  Colin D cruz at Word of Grace Church  Pune, on the 20th of April 2014 . You can listen/download to the audio by clicking here

All over the world people celebrate Easter and all kinds of traditions surrounding it. But let us remind ourselves of what Easter is really about.

We will look at 3 things- Reality, Results and Response to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1.    Reality of the resurrection: Acts 2:22-36- Peter is addressing a large crowd. This was on the day of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit came upon them and they went out on the streets praising God- and the other people heard their own languages. In verse 13, some thought they were drunk. At this point Peter preached and explained. Jesus is a person rooted in history- a real person in real time. He came from Nazareth.

The miracles led to wonder. These miracles were a sign pointing to the reality of who Jesus is. What happened to Jesus was prophesied earlier in scripture. Every religious leader died and decayed. They had no power over death. But not so with Jesus- the grave could not hold Him. He was a person of history but not a victim of history. That was a part of the eternal plan to die and be raised from the dead.

Peter puts the responsibility on his hearers- that they put him to death.

The Old and New Testament speaks of the resurrection- the resurrection is what Christianity rises and falls upon. It’s the hinge. Some think, resurrection is not important.

1 Corinthians 15:10- this chapter contains much about the resurrection. In verse 19 it says, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more that all men.”

2.    Results of the Resurrection: there are 4 things that happened as a result of the resurrection of Jesus from the grave.

a.    Death was conquered- 1 Corinthians 15:55- and we will be raised to life again as Christ has been raised from the dead. Verse 54 says that we do not have to fear death.

b.    The word of God has been validated. In the Old Testament, there are over 1000 prophecies about Jesus and they have been fulfilled.

c.    Jesus has been exalted to the highest place. Matt 28: 18-20. Jesus has all authority.

d.    The Holy Spirit has been poured out. In acts 2:33 it shows how Holy Spirit was the power with which the disciples are clothed.

3.    Response: the big question- so what?

a.    Acts 2: 37- they were cut to the heart. They repented. And a sign of true repentance is water baptism and then being baptized in the Holy Spirit- this gives you a great assurance. Today is the day of opportunity.

b.    What shall we do now? Matt 28:18-20- go therefore, and make disciples of all nations. Reproduction is a normal outcome for a Christian. Following Jesus is not about the easy life. We should seek the kingdom first and all else will be added. The Apostles lived to proclaim the gospel- that was their focus.

1 Corinthians 5:14- For Christ’s love compels us- we should no longer live for ourselves.

The response to the resurrection is repentance and reproduction and to glorify God in your life.