SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE

TV PROGRAM FOR MAY 17, 2004

by Mark Gateley and David Riggs

Before we get into our program tonight we would like to make something perfectly clear. We are members of the Oak Ridge church of Christ. We call ourselves Christians (Acts 11:26) and we hold to the Bible as our one and only Truth. Church of Christ is a biblical description of Christians who work together for the cause of Christ (Romans 16:16). We are independent assemblies with no organization beyond our own number as described in Philippians 1:1. There are Christians across the world who work with local congregations of God's people such as described in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Christians are members of Christ's body, which is also known as His Church (Acts 2:47, Ephesians 5:23). Our mission is to stand for God's truth (the gospel) and teach it to all people (Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 1:16, 1 Timothy 3:15). We are accountable to our one and only Head Jesus Christ.

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS (Luke 24:1-49)

1. Deny the Resurrection (Matt. 28:11-15)

Many today deny the resurrection. Just because we deny something does not change the truth(e.g., law of gravity, existence of Abraham Lincoln, etc.).

2. The Prophecies

The evil Jewish leaders were aware of the prophecies, however, many sought to destroy the one who was to fulfill them.

a. Flesh would not see corruption (Psalm 16:8-11, Acts 2:25-28, 31)

b. Sign of Jonah (Matthew 12:39-40)

c. Destroy the Temple (John 2:19-21)

d. Rise on the Third Day (Matt.16:21, 17:23, 20:19, Mk. 9:31, 10:34, Luke 9:22, 13:32, 18:33)

3. The Witnesses

How many witnesses were needed to establish truth under Jewish Law? Two or three. To prove that they were correct, all they would have had to do was produce the body of Jesus. Let us look at how many witnesses saw the truth.

Who saw the empty tomb?

a. The women (Matthew 28:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, Mark 16:1-11)

b. The guards or soldiers (Matthew 28:4, 11)

c. Peter and John (John 20:2-11, Luke 24:9-12)

d. The angel (Matthew 28:5-7)

How many Witnessed the Risen Savior?

a. Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9)

b. Another Mary (Matthew 28:1, 9-10)

c. The two on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-36, Mark 16:12-13)

d. The eleven and others (Luke 24:33-43, John 20:19-29, Acts 3:11, 15, 1 Cor. 15:5)

e. The disciples at the Sea of Galilee (John 21)

f. Over 500 (1 Corinthians 15:6)

g. James (1 Corinthians 15:7)

h. Paul (Saul) (1 Corinthians 15:8)

4. The Significance (1 Corinthians 15:1-20)

Recently, a big deal has been made and a lot of money has been profited concerning a movie about the death of Jesus. But, the most important part of what Jesus did was left out. If Jesus had simply died as a human such as Mohammed, Martin Luther, Joseph Smith, John Wesley, Martin Luther King Jr., Confucius, or any other religious leader, there would be no hope for mankind. His resurrection declares Him to be the Son of God (Romans 1:4). But since He was resurrected and overcame death and paid the price for sin, all people (including you) can have their sins washed away in the waters of baptism! What a loving God! What a wonderful Savior! What a powerful story! Why not decide to follow the risen Savior and obey Him today? If you refuse Him, His death means nothing to you and you will die in your sins (Acts 17:30-31). Obey Him and you will gain your best friend and have the hope of eternal life in Heaven. We hope to see you next time on Speaking the Truth in Love.