Witness
Many of us believe Jesus Christ died for our sins and would not think twice about our belief. However, many people ask what makes us believe what we do.
Some people say:
Some say, "Give me some reasons why you think Jesus Christ's resurrection is real." This all seems a contest to our faith, but looking at this ask a little closer there is someone looking for an answer for whatever reason they may have. Too often we see others seeking answers. We too sought answers in our own path to Jesus' saving grace and mercy. It makes sense to seek answers.
We are told by Jesus we should Witness once we receive Him and the Holy Spirit.
He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." - Act 7-8 NASB1995
So, the quick answer comes in 3 infallible statements:
1. Jesus foretold his death and resurrection - John 11:13 NASB1995
2. there was eyewitness testimony - Matthew 27 NASB1995
3. there has been unstoppable, retelling of the resurrection since
After supplying these statements, a person may ask further questions from a place of self-interest. Talk with them. Give them your testimony and follow with 3 more facts from Matthew 27 NASB1995:
1. He was physically alive
2. He physically died Good Friday
3. He was not revived but was physically alive Easter Sunday in a perfected body never to die again
Then give them this list of facts:
1. Jesus' resurrection was predicted in the Old Testament - For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. - Psalms 16:10 NASB1995
2. Jesus' geaneology while He was on earth was traced back 76 generations to Adam and Eve to Himself as God in creation - For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. - Psalms 16:10 NASB1995
3. Jesus' tomb was well known, guarded by the Roman government, and not enshrined when an estimated other 50 tombs were - Matthew 27 NASB1995
4. Jesus' followers and family worshipped Him as God - John 11 NASB1995
5. Jesus' appearances after Easter Sunday over forty days were to his mother, aunt, disciples, onlookers, bystanders and to crowds upwards of 500 plus - Acts 1:3 NASB1995
6. Jesus' enemy Paul was a convert
7. Jesus' resurrection is unique in history and verified by history
8. Jesus' church has stood the test of time
9. Jesus' baptism was by John the Baptist (who was his cousin) birthed for Christs requirement in the Bible
10. Jesus can explain everything in detail through the Holy Spirit to groups or individuals
11. Jesus has performed miracles in person and as the Lord to this day
12. the Bible is the most printed book in history, in most languages, in most versions and in all formats. The Guinness Book of World Records estimates more than 5 billion copies of the Bible have been printed
13. Jesus' Ascension occurred the fortieth day of the first Easter in the presence of His eleven apostles - Acts 1:1-11 NASB1995
Then close your supported testimony with He is still changing lives and performing miracles today. Here is who we are to our Him.
Finally, if the person still has questions, help them find a local church and point them to read Matthew 28 NASB1995. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess Jesus Christ is Lord.
Senior Minister Sean Patrick
Be Free in God