Easter Sunday April 12, 2009

Notes from Sunday's sermon plus some more thoughts:

More about Jesus' resurrection:

Josh McDowell's article for Leader U

Click here for the Got Questions article on the Resurrection.

Scriptures on Resurrection:

Isaiah 26:19

Daniel 12:2

John 5:28

John 6:39

John 6:54

Acts 24:15

Romans 8:23

Scriptures On First Fruits:

Leviticus 23:9-14

Deuteronomy 26:1-11

The Jews for Jesus article on First Fruits:

Some Effects of Jesus' Resurrection:

1. Jesus cannot die again, death no longer has mastery over him (Rom. 6:9). In the same way, when we are resurrected, we will not be able to die again.

2. We are "in Christ." We have already been raised with Him spiritually (Eph. 2:6), so we do not have to fear that we won't be raised with new bodies.

3. We have been given spiritual life. We are made alive spiritually, but we have to wait for our "adoption" to be complete, and the redemption of our bodies. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23). 

4. Jesus is at the right hand of God (the place of power and authority) and is interceding (praying) for us (Romans 8:34).

5. Death is not able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:38), but it would have, if Jesus had not been raised.

6. God has proved Jesus' credentials as Messiah by raising him from the dead. As a result, God will judge the world through Jesus, and commands everyone to repent (Acts 17:29-31).