Proof of a Risen Saviour

Acts 1:1-14

Introduction:

Christ is risen!

· He had promised His resurrection

· The Bible declares His resurrection

· Christians believed in His resurrection

Some doubt His resurrection

· They demand proof of the resurrection

· The Bible says there are many infallible proofs

Definition- “infallible=the quality of being incapable of error or mistake”

These infallible proofs emphasize the truth that this is not some sort of philosophical speculation, but the evidences of certain facts!!!!

Consider some of the Proofs of the Resurrection

I. The Empty Tomb

A. The enemies of Christ remembered the promise of the resurrection

1. They told Pilate

Matthew 27:63 “Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.”

2. They secured soldiers to guard the tomb

Matthew 27:65 “Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.”

3. The tomb was officially sealed

Matthew 27:66 “So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”

B. The Friends of Jesus forgot His promise of resurrection

1. Women came to the tomb to anoint His body

2. Strange, His enemies remembered (and believed) and His followers forgot (did not believe)

C. When the women arrived the tomb was empty (Matt. 28:1-8)

D. Even the soldiers admitted the tomb was empty (Matt. 28: 11)

E. The enemies of Christ knew the tomb was empty

Matthew 28:12–15

“12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.”

1. They held a meeting to decide how to deal with it

2. They bribed the soldiers to tell an unbelievable story

3. Their actions go a long way in proving the resurrection

4. Their lies continue to this day-“DaVinci code; The tomb of Jesus; The Gospel of Judas; The Gospel of Thomas”

II. The Eyewitnesses

A. Eyewitness testimony holds up in court

B. Who were these eyewitnesses?

1. The women who came to the tomb

Luk 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

2. Peter and John (John 20:1-10)

3. Mary Magdalene- John 20:11-18

4. Thomas (John 20: 24-29)

5. The Emmaus disciples (Luke 24: 13-35)

6. More than 500 others (I Corinthians 15:6)

1Co 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

7. James and all the apostles (I Corinthians 15:7)

1Co 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

8. Paul on the road to Damascus (I Corinthians 15:8)

1Co 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

III. The Energizing of the Disciples

A. The disciples had been devastated by the crucifixion

1. They had forsaken Christ and Fled (Matt. 26:56)

Mat 26:56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

2. Some were going home (Luke 24: 13-35)

B. The Resurrection changed everything

Acts 4:1–2 “1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.”

1. Fear was changed to faith

Acts 4:18–21 “18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.”

2. Doubters were changed to dynamic witnesses

Acts 4:33 “33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”

C. The former confused ones became very courageous

1. They laid their lives on the line- Acts 5.17-20; Acts 7.54-60; Acts 11.19-20; Acts 12.1-2;

2. Some will die for a lie, but people do not Usually do not die for a lie that they KNOW is a lie!!

3. Thousands were saved because of their witness- Acts 2.41; Acts 4.4;

Acts 2:41 “41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”

Acts 4:4 “4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.”

4. The church became a growing organism that circled the globe as local assemblies were established

Conclusion:

One of the Greatest Proofs is the change that Christ makes in the lives of believers today.

Is there evidence of a change in your life?

He wants to change you, today!

2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Come meet the Living Christ by faith (Romans 10:9-13)

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

You can be another infallible proof of the resurrection!