0966 God's Not Dead

And they told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.” And Jacob’s heart stood still, because he did not believe them. Genesis 45:26-27

Jesus is like Joseph: miraculous birth, father loved him more than others, shepherd of fathers sheep, went to Egypt in his youth, sold for the price of a slave, became a servant, resisted temptations, falsely accused, condemned between two prisoners, arose to power, not recognized by their own brothers, the gentile bride, 7 - year hardship, the reconciliation of Joseph and his brothers

Resurrection is God’s AMEN to Christ’s statement IT IS FINISHED.

300 verses are concerned with the subject of Jesus' resurrection in the New Testament.

The Resurrection of Jesus - A sign for unbelievers (Matthew 12:38-40); cf. John 20:24-29)

- An the answer for the believer's doubt (Luke 24:38-43) - Guarantee that Jesus' teachings are true (Acts 2:22-24; 1 Corrinthians 15:12-20) - The center of the gospel itself (Romans 4:24-25, 10:9; 1 Corrinthians 15:1-4) - The key indication of the believer's daily power to live the Christian life (Rom. 6:4-14, 8:9-11; Phil. 3:10) - The reason for the total commitment of our lives (Rom. 7:4; 1 Cor. 15:57-58). - The resurrection even addresses the fear of death (John 11:25; 1 Cor. 15:54-58; cf. Hebrews 2:14-15)

- This event is a model of the Christian's resurrection from the dead (Acts 4:2; 1 Cor. 6:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

PROOF FOR RESURRECTION:

1. Jesus predicted His resurrection (Matt 16:21; Mark 9:9-10; John 2:18-22). 2. The Old Testament prophesied it (Psalm 16:10; compare Acts 2:25-31; 13:33-37). 3. The tomb was empty and the grave clothes vacant. if those who opposed Christ wished to silence His disciples, all they had to do was produce a body, but they could not (John 20:3-9). 4. Many people saw the resurrected Christ. They looked on His face, touched Him, heard His voice, and saw Him eat (Matt. 28:16-20; Luke 24:13-39; John 20:11-29; John 21:1-9; Acts 1:6-11; 1 Cor. 15:3-8). 5. The lives of the disciples were revolutionized. Though they fled and even denied Christ at the time of His arrest, they later feared no one in their proclamation of the risen Christ (Matt 26:56, 69-75)

6. The resurrection was the central message of the early church. The church grew with an unwavering conviction that Christ had risen and was the Lord of the church (Acts 4:33; 5:30-32; Rom. 5:24). 7. Men and women today testify that the power of the risen Christ has transformed their lives. We know that Jesus is alive not only because of the historical and biblical evidence but also because He has miraculously touched our lives.

1. The good news revives the spirit and relocates you Genesis 45:26-27

Joseph was behind pleasant surprises. James 1:17

“Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous” Albert Einstein.

Joseph reveals himself to his brothers.

- Jesus existed before Abraham John 8:58

- Jesus is equal with the Father John 10:30; John 5:17, 18).

- Jesus forgave sins, something only God can do Mark 2:5-7

- Jesus’ critics verified that Jesus claimed to be God John 5:18

- Jesus is the Creator John 1:1-3, 14

- God revealed Himself as “I AM” to Moses Exodus 3:14; Jesus revealed Himself as “I AM” to us. “I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35, 48, 51) “I am the Light of the World” (John 8:12; 9:5) “I am the Door” (John 10:7, 9) “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11, 14) “I am the Resurrection and Life” (John 11:25) “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6) “I am the True Vine” (John 15:1)

Believing the good news - revives your spirit, leads to repentance.

Jacob’s life changed as a response to this radical good news.

Destination is heaven. Goals are pit stops. Life is a trip.

2. Vehicle is provided for the journey Genesis 45:27

The Holy Spirit is God’s chariot.

Chariots proved Joseph is alive. Genesis 45:27

It was transport provided by Joseph.

Get on it to let it take you!

Chariot is pulled by horse. Horsepower refers to the power an engine produces. It's calculated through the power needed to move 550 pounds one foot in one second or by the power needs to move 33,000 pounds one foot in one minute. The power is gauged by the rate it takes to do the work.

From Kennewick to Seattle 215 miles

Car - 3 hr 29 (12% of day)

Bicycle - 20 hrs (1 day)

Walking - 72 hrs (3 days)

Holy Spirit provides power that takes you from where you are to where God wants you to be.

Walk in the Holy Spirit - He is the plane flying, I am in him, moving!

The Holy Spirit is not desert. Optional, upgrade. Regular 83 / Premium 93 Fuel.

Get on the chariot!

3. Provision is given for the journey Genesis 45:21-23

“Already but not yet” Hebrews 2:8-9 “Crowned but not everything is subject yet”

Clothes, donkeys loaded with goods, grain, bread and food.

TESTIMONY: Healing, Deliverance, Breakthrough!

Joseph’s reign didn’t end famine.

We are refined by our suffering but we are defined by His suffering.

Life in Jesus is not paradise void of suffering, in suffering we are purified.

Faith in God is gold. Faith in self is paper.

The rest of your life will be the best of your life.

4. Take your people & possessions with you.