The resurrection is the thing that distinguishes Christianity from all other religions. All others have rules, qualifiers and methods to get to God. In fact, Christianity is not a religion at all. It is, quite literally, GOOD NEWS. The word "gospel" literally means good news! Christianity is, indeed, the good news that Jesus has done all the work for us in the historical event of his life, death and resurrection. That is the gospel.
It's easy to put your faith into a proven historical event. But, is the resurrection really true? Did it really happen?
Al Hassler taught about some of the proofs of the resurrection of Jesus, all the while weaving in parts of his personal journey and testimony. He was an atheist for much of his life, seeking after the things our culture told him would make a satisfying and happy life: education, jobs, money, materialism and sex. He had never been exposed to any historical proof, or any adult apologetics regarding Christianity. He only had some vague sense of things he heard from the History channel, maybe from word of mouth from friends who went to church (he didn't grow up in church or a Christian home) or perhaps from a book or two he picked up. As far as Al was concerned, it was ludicrous to believe in "angels with halos and devils with pitchforks."
Once Al decided to examine the truth of the Christian faith (after a crisis in his marriage to Jan), he decided to read the gospels. As a trial lawyer, he figured he could pick the Bible apart similar to a witness in court. He actually began going through the gospels hoping and trying to disprove them. Today's teaching and this week's Bible study is basically how the words straight from Scripture convinced him that Christianity was, indeed, the truth and the "good news" of a historical event.
INVITATION: When Al undertook examining the truth of Christianity he encountered (among other things): 1) A person who could not have been made up. He had to be either God, a liar or a lunatic and it became clear from the gospels Jesus was, indeed who he said he was: God. 2) Information that would not have been recorded unless it was true because it didn't serve to advance a cause or to make the writers look better; 3) Radically changed lives.
Join in the examination of how Scripture contains proof of the resurrection!
MONDAY: Matthew 28:1-10: Imagine you are one of the women searching for the body of Jesus. An angel tells you "do not be afraid" and that Jesus has risen, "just as he said." What do you imagine might be going on in your mind and heart as you travel to the tomb? What is it like to interact with the angle and be told that Jesus has risen? How might the joy and power of Jesus' resurrection impact you as you live your life this week? How might it affect your circumstances and attitudes and relationships?
TUESDAY: Luke 24:1-13: We know from other scriptures that Mary Magdalene was a former prostitute and that demons had been cast out of her. We also know in this culture that women were not considered "credible witnesses" or given much credit. Al pointed out that people lie all the time on the witness stand in court, but it is always to advance their cause or to make themselves look better. Neither was done in these verses. It was clearly women who discovered the empty tomb and were sent to tell all the men of this miraculous and historical event. These women - one who had a colorful past - were the first witnesses at the scene. This story was recorded as it occurred, including the fact that the women were not believed. There is no "spin" on it. What do you think Jesus was thinking and feeling about this exchange between the women who went to the tomb and to the disciples? Why? Have you tried to put your own "spin" on the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
WEDNESDAY: Matthew 26:56: Al shared that this verse was pivotal in his choosing to believe the truth of Christianity. No one would willingly record they were a coward toward their best friend unless it was true. The disciples deserted Jesus and fled, and then willingly recorded it. This must be true because it absolutely puts the disciples in a bad light. If they were going to lie, they would have made themselves look and sound better. How does yesterday or today's verses impact your view of the resurrection of Jesus and the truth of the Christian faith? How does it make you feel about the validity of Scripture?
THURSDAY: John 11:7-9: Another reason reading the gospel accounts swayed Al to the truth of the faith is because Jesus clearly is more than just a "good teacher" as some allege. He has supernatural wisdom, his morals and ethics are unprecedented, his humility is beyond anything a normal human could have, his strength, his courage, and his insights were beyond anything ever seen in other human beings. These verses shows the courage Jesus had even in the face of death threats against him. He chose to return to Jerusalem despite the danger and in spite of the opinion of his closest group of followers. What gospel story helps you realize the divine nature of Jesus Christ? Visit these scriptures today and pray and meditate on the divine nature of Jesus Christ, who came to earth and became man, suffered and died on your behalf. What are you most grateful for?
FRIDAY: Acts 5:40-41: The same men that had deserted Jesus and fled when he was being arrested, did these brave feats. Changed lives throughout scripture indicate the truth of the Christian faith and the truth of Jesus' resurrection. The testimony of Al Hassler is one of a radically changed life! Even though he had all the trappings the world said would make him happy, he felt dark, discouraged and depressed. He was about to divorce his wife, Jan, when he finally decided to look into the claims of the Christian faith. Have you nailed down if and why you believe in Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection?
SATURDAY: Romans 8:28 & Titus 1:2: Many people allude to Christianity just being a "crutch" for people to believe in a happy ending. If you believe in the truth of scripture, the implications are that ALL things will work together and that you WILL have eternal life. The Titus verse says "God cannot lie." Scripture is His words - his love letter to you and to me. It is truth. Do you believe it? How might you begin living it out this week? How does this Titus verse stating that "God cannot lie" bring you hope?