ALIVE! (The Living Word/Agape Resurrection Celebration)

by Chase Thompson
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Isaiah 52:14 There were many who were appalled at him – his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness. Isaiah 53:5-6 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

3 Questions to Answer Today:

1. What happened on Good Friday?
2. What happened on Resurrection Sunday?
3. What difference does it make now?

What happened on Good Friday?

Isaiah 52:14 There were many who were appalled at him – his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness.

Jesus suffered multiple ways in our place

1. The Scourging – Metal balls that injure the organs. Pieces of metal that sink in and rip the skin. Historian Eusebius: “Their bodies were frightfully lacerated – their veins were laid bare, and the inner muscles, sinews, even entrails, were exposed.” By His stripes we were healed.
2. The Crossbar – It probably weighed close to 100 pounds. When Jesus fell – He fell onto hard stone, and the crossbar was driven into His back, likely causing serious injury.
3. The Crucifixion – “Excruciating” pain – a horrific way to die. Cicero called it “the most cruel and disgusting penalty.” Josephus, “the most wretched of deaths.”
4. The Sponge – Matthew 27:34 The offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall but when he tasted it, he would not drink it.
5. The Spear – The blood and water from Jesus’ side demonstrates He likely from either a lacerated heart (the crossbar) or hypovolemic shock (the scourging).
6. The Wrath – God’s Wrath is real. It is mentioned 600 times in the Old Testament alone.
1. God’s Wrath is personal – just like His love
2. God’s Wrath is necessary – it is justice. Should Hitler be punished? Should child abusers? Should rapists?
3. God’s Wrath is virtually infinite – just like His love. The Bible mentions God’s wrath and fury with sin more than it mentions His love. GOD is LOVING AND JUST.
4. The Cup of God’s Wrath – Matthew 26:39 My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will. AND Jeremiah 25:15 This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from my hand this cup filled with the wine of my wrath and make all the nations to who I send you drink it.”
   Ponder this – an infinite God can suffer infinitely.

Yes, He died in our place, but above that, He suffered Wrath for us. The punishment that brought us peace was poured on Him.

What happened on Resurrection Sunday?

Luke 24:36-49 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this he showed them his hands and feed. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything to here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence… (and then the Great Commission)

1. Jesus answered the doubts of the disciples by convincing them physically that He had genuinely overcome death.
1. Note how slow they were to believe – they did NOT have a worldview that expected resurrection anymore than our worldview does.
2. If you were crafting a legendary story about the return of your hero – wouldn’t you add flare to the details?
2. He welcomed them into fellowship by eating with them. Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. They had committed treason against the Son of God. He welcomed them as His friends.
3. He gave them great purpose – the Gospel to the nations.

What difference does it make now?

1. Because He lives – all that he did for the disciples, He will do for you. He will call you to Himself and show you the truth of the resurrection. He will fellowship and show you the truth of the resurrection. He will fellowship with you – even on this side. He will give you a higher purpose for your life.
2. In 1 Corinthians 15 – Paul spends 57 verses discussing the historical reality of the resurrection of Jesus and its theological implications. Then he says this: Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord.

Because He Lives – Come to Him today in repentance and faith!

Because He Lives – Stand firm and devote yourself to God’s work!

Appendix: Three “Proofs” of the Resurrection

1. Female witnesses and lack of drama: If the resurrection of Jesus was made up by people, why utilize a female witness (former prostitute) as the first discoverer of the empty tomb? Her testimony wasn’t admissible in court! Why did Jesus not prove that He is alive in a more dramatic way than eating fish and showing scars?
2. Pau’s 500 witnesses and sweeping transformation: In 1 Corinthians 15 – Paul mentions at least 500 witnesses of the resurrected Jesus. These witnesses carried the Gospel to the ends of the earth to the point that up to 50% of the mighty Roman Empire had converted to Christianity in just a few hundred years. What can explain such radical commitment by the disciples, and radical acceptance by the pagans other than a real historical event?
3. The New Testament is historically reliable:
1. The writers include embarrassing details about themselves and their failures.
2. Archaeological evidence has backed the historical claims of the Bible.
3. Demanding and difficult sayings of Jesus are in the BIble and not conveniently removed.
4. There are close to 6,000 existing New Testament Greek manuscripts – almost 10 times as many as the next most well attested ancient writings (Homer – 643 copies, Plato – 7 copies, Tacitus – 20 copies).
1. These 6,000 manuscripts all agree with each other on EVERY major point of doctrine and almost every single minor details.

Want more proofs or need some more resources?
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ALIVE! (The Living Word/Agape Resurrection Celebration) [ 36:23 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download