We all know about Christmas. The whole world knows
about it.
However, not many people know about Easter. What
exactly do we celebrate?
On Good Friday we celebrate Jesus died for our sins.
On Easter, we celebrate His resurrection. HE bodily
rose from the grave.
The first sermon in Acts spoke about the resurrection.
So, for Christians, the Resurrection is very very important. Throughout Acts
you see the disciples speak about the Resurrection.
Our text for today is ACTS 2:22
Peter preaches this amazing word. V24- God raised Him
up from the dead – this is the Easter celebration.
THE REALITY, THE RESULT, THE RESPONSE
THE REALITY
The resurrection is not a fairytale. It's not a story
but HISTORY. We know where he was born and who the emperor was at that time.
Jesus lived on earth as a man in time and history. Peter told them that they killed
Jesus. However, it was all according to God’s plan. But God raised him from the
dead.
Matt 28: 1
After
the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the
other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord
came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and
sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his
clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were
so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know
that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He
is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where
he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He
has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you
will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with
joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus
met them. “Greetings,” he
said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then
Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell
my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
1Cor 15: 3 For what I received I passed on to
you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our
sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was
buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the
Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to
Cephas,[b] and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five
hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still
living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to
James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared
to me also, as to one abnormally born.
So,
there were many eyewitnesses to Jesus’ resurrection. This Resurrection is the
hinge that holds up our Christian faith. The religious leaders tried to cover
up the resurrection and deny it.
So,
when we share the gospel, we must share the resurrection story
THE
RESULT
Death
was conquered. - the greatest enemy of mankind is death and Jesus
conquered it. Death could not hold him in the grave.
Scripture was confirmed. Ps 16: 8-10 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because
you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful[b] one see decay.
Peter
tells them that this psalm is prophesying about Jesus.
V33 –
Christ is exalted Phil 2: 8-9 Jesus became
obedient to death, death on a cross. One day everyone will bow to Jesus. We
have the privilege to bow before now and willingly. But the day when He comes back
people will be forced to bow their knee
The Holy
Spirit has been given Jesus
has to ascend to heaven for the Holy Spirit to be poured out for us.
Time
is flying. One day neither of us will be on this earth anymore. Our life on this
earth is a twinkle. But our life with Jesus will be forever and ever.
The
wicked will get away with their things for a little while- but they will face
judgement for what they have done. We will be with Jesus forever. Death is
just an entrance into Jesus’ presence. That is the great Hope we have. So, no
matter what we are struggling with, we have a great HOPE and Jesus has made a
way for us.
THE RESPONSE
V37 – when people
heard Peter’s sermon they were convicted and believed what Peter
said and asked what they should do.
Peter
told them that they need to repent and be baptized. And then we will receive
the Holy Spirit which is a seal on our faith.
V41
- They
were added to the church where they fulfil their plans and purposes in God
If
you have never repented of your sins and acknowledged Jesus as your saviour,
you can do it today.
For
Christ-followers this is our response. 1 Cor 15:1
Now,
brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to
you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are
saved if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise,
you have believed in vain.
There
is an “if” there – We must hold onto the truth. The proof of your salvation is
a transformed life. Making a prayer 20 years ago is useless if your life is not
changed. Obedience to the word is important.
We are saved by faith alone – but the faith that saves is
never alone.
Is my life transformed, do I love the word, to
fellowship with his people? The fruit is a transformed life.
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