New Wineskins
Do you really believe a man rose from the dead? I know this question might sound elementary to Christians, but the implications to this answer are staggering. Last week I was privileged to watch an advanced screening of Risen, a major motion picture looking at the resurrection of Jesus through the eyes of a Roman skeptic (short review: legit. see it!) In that movie a witness to the Resurrection says, “I believe, how can I ever be the same?”
The implications of the resurrection of Jesus are staggering:
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. John 20:19-20
A man claimed to be God. That man died. That man was seen afterwards by multitudes of people, including 500 at one time. These people went to their death (and many were killed for) believing that Jesus rose from the dead.
If Jesus really rose from the dead, everything changes. Even in the advancements in technology over the past 2000 years, death is always a constant. Death comes to all. Death is final for all. Jesus defeated death. Which gives credence to all the claims that he made about himself.
Jesus is the Son of God. He is coming again soon. Eternal life is determined by our belief in Jesus, and nothing else. We are commanded to spread this story to the corners of the planet. We’re called to willingly sacrifice our wants, our pursuits, our lives for our Savior. I know we say we really believe all this, but do we really? Really? If we really believe this, we can never be the same.
QUESTION FOR DISCUSSION: Does your life (actions) show proof that you truly believe Jesus rose from the dead?
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