May 28
Bible Reading: Acts 1:1-5
Acts 1:3, “He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs.”
How would your life differ from what it now it if Christ had not risen from the dead? To what extent is your hope founded on the truth of the resurrection? What good news could you possibly share with others if Christ had not been raised? The good news is, of course, that Christ has been raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)! And because of that we’ve a glorious gospel to believe in and proclaim!
From Peter’s first sermon onward, the message of the resurrection of Jesus was front and center in the witness of Christ’s followers. Peter emphatically proclaimed it in his first and second sermons (Acts 2:24-36; 3:15). And he did not shrink back from declaring it when on trial before the religious Council (Acts 4:10). The apostles, with great power, kept on giving witness to it (Acts 4:33, 5:29-30), and even to the Gentiles (Acts 10:40). And that witness to the resurrection continues throughout the book. It is the sharing of that message of hope that worked to turn the “world upside down” (Acts 17:6).
So, it was important for the author, Luke, to establish the fact of the resurrection in the beginning of the book. Jesus presented himself alive not by a few, but with many convincing proofs. Luke used terminology that was used in the Greek world, in a legal context, of proof that was irrefutable and indisputable. Peter and the other apostles and over 500 witnesses had firsthand evidence that Jesus was truly alive, and this evidence was not open to question (1 Corinthiasn 15:5-8).
The good news is “Christ has been raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20). And because of that, it is a risen Savior we serve, a living hope we possess, and a glorious message to share!
“The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith and the ‘fountain’ of our message.” – Anonymous
HE LIVES!
I serve a risen Savior, Hes in the world today;
I know that He is living, whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
A-long lifes narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And tho my heart grows weary, I never will despair;
I know that He is leading thro all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing will come at last.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
A-long lifes narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
Rejoice, Rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find,
None other is so living, so good and kind.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
A-long lifes narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
LookingtoJesus 