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Delve into the compelling evidence supporting the resurrection of Jesus Christ - from the multitude of credible eyewitnesses to the transformative impact on their lives. Explore the significance of their testimony and the implications for our faith and hope. Discover the foundational basis for our belief and rejoice in the living hope we share in Christ. This in-depth exploration challenges skeptics and strengthens believers in their conviction.
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A ReasonFor Our Hope 1 Peter 3:15
A ReasonFor Our Hope • What is the basis of our hope? • The resurrection of Jesus Christ! 1Pe 1:3 • Otherwise our faith is futile! 1Co 15:14-19 • What evidence is there to believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Eyewitness testimony! The type of evidence used in a court of law, or to establish facts of history.
A ReasonFor Our Hope • The number of witnesses • Which strengthens testimony Deu 17:6 • Consider Paul’s list 1Co 15:3-8 • During 40 days after His resurrection, hundreds saw Jesus! Ac 1:1-3 There were many eyewitnesses! Too many to be hallucinations or visions, which are highly individualistic.
A ReasonFor Our Hope • The quality of witnesses • Some had not believed Jn 7:5; Ac 1:14 • Some were skeptical Jn 20:24-25 • A former persecutor Ac 26:9-11 There were resistant eyewitnesses! That were not gullible followers, wanting to believe blindly.
A ReasonFor Our Hope • The strength of their witness • Empirical testimony Ac 10:41; 1Jn 1:1-4 • Transformed lives Ac 5:28-32,41-42 • Moral standards 1Th 4:1-7 • Personal sacrifices 1Co 4:11-13; 2Co 11:24-25 They were credible eyewitnesses! The nature of their testimony, the changes in their lives, their willingness to die.
A ReasonFor Our Hope • The significance of their witness • If Jesus did not rise from the dead... • They were liars! 1Co 15:14-15; 2Pe 1:16 • They suffered knowingly for a lie! • The world’s highest standard of morality was written by deceivers! Is it reasonable? To believe they purposely propagated a lie?
A ReasonFor Our Hope • The significance of their witness • If Jesus did rise from the dead... • We have a living hope! 1Pe 1:3 • Of our own resurrection! 1Th 4:13-18 • We have reason to rejoice! Ro 12:12 Plus, it means whatever He taught is true! Jn 8:12,24,31,34; 12:48; 14:6; 20:29
A ReasonFor Our Hope • The evidence for Christ’s resurrection • The number of witnesses • The quality of witnesses • The strength of their witness • The significance of their witness “...always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you...” ~ 1Peter 3:15
A ReasonFor Our Hope Jesus’ resurrection from the dead!