About 2000 years have now since past
Like Thomas, many still doubt at last
They seek to disprove the resurrection
Denying any evidence or explanation
The Corinthians had similar issues instead
When they questioned raising of the dead
Paul clearly said their faith was in vain
If Jesus had not been raised to life again
They were still dead in their sin and gloom
If Jesus remained buried in the dark tomb
But He is alive, exactly as He had promised
There is no room for doubt or compromise
Will you believe in Him and claim it as true?
He died to pay for your sin and rose again too
Only the resurrection brings hope to your life
As the foundation of faith in overcoming strife
Job knew His Redeemer lives with all certainty
Daniel understood God's judgment for eternity
Jesus said heaven is only by faith in Him alone
Warning hell is for those who reject His throne
Everyone will give account of their life before God
What did we do with Jesus on earth's path we trod?
At the foot of the cross, we are all on even ground
By accepting His sacrifice, in Him we are found
The tomb is empty with His grave clothes there
Jesus is alive, His body was not taken anywhere
His appearances for forty days serve as evidence
Especially to 500 at once, cannot be a coincidence
The Book of Acts is a verified eyewitness account
Declaring testimony of the apostles without a doubt
Filled for the first time with the Holy Spirit's power
Many came to believe in Jesus every day and hour
Peter, who denied Jesus, now proclaimed God's Son
Paul, blinded on the road, believes in the Holy One
Stephen is martyred for taking a bold stand for Jesus
Examples of faith and transformation for each of us
1 Corinthians 15:14, 17, 20 (NIV)
14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is
your faith. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile;
you are still in your sins. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the
dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Job 19:25 (NIV)
I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
Daniel 12:2 (NIV)
Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting
life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.
Matthew 28:5-7 (NIV)
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."
Acts 1:3 (NIV)
After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing
proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and
spoke about the kingdom of God.
Acts 2:38-41 (NIV)
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name
of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive
the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children
and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save
yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message
were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Baptism does not save anyone, but it is a step of obedience following
faith in Jesus, as an outward sign of what has already taken place inside.
(For those interested in additional Bible study, see the following chapters:
1 Corinthians 15; Acts 2, 7, and 9)
