The Disciples' Christ (Luke 24:18-27)

The unnamed centurion carries out murder. This is not to say that everyone who has died by his hand has been murdered, but his carrying out an order to kill an innocent man is murder. We noted on Friday that the centurion praised God for Christ’s innocence. He saw this with his Roman bias and in darkness.

This is contrasted with the disciples who are familiar with Christ’s ministry. They are perplexed because they thought Christ was the messiah, but Christ died. Christ’s death does not fit into their system. The disciples never thought that Christ’s death has to take away death and definitively destroyed by Christ’s resurrection. So often we think about Christ’s death, but we do not see the significance of his resurrection. This is a reminder that we need to discern who God is rather than define him by our cultural expectations.

Does Resurrection Matter? (LD 17, Colossians 3:1-4)

We normally think of the Resurrection of Christ as being a bit of an abstract concept. Sure, we believe that Christ is raised from the dead and we know that is important. We can think that his resurrection impacts our resurrection. This is true! However, the Apostle Paul sees the resurrection of Christ as being more than just the period or the end of history. The resurrection of Christ is essential for every day of our Christian life. It is in the resurrection of Christ that we move from to domain of death to the power of life even as our victory is currently hidden.

#resurrectionlife #unionwithChrist #expositorypreaching #christisenough

Truth Confirmed (John 20:1-18)

The resurrection is something that is radical and rather unbelievable to be honest.  However, the resurreciton is necessary for Christ to conform the grace and truth of the Lord's promise.  How does this truth come to bear on the immediate audience?  What does that teach us about ourselves today?

Sojourning Under the Sun: Sabbath Sighting (1 Corinthians 15:50-58)

The goal of the Christian life is to make it to the end of the age without turning from the Lord.  How can we do this, and what assurance do we have that our Sabbath rest is worthwhile?

Easter Fools (1 Corinthians 15:45)

The resurrection of Christ is a difficult doctrine for us to defend.  I mean the absurdity of this is when recognize that we are coming together on April Fools day to talk about the resurrection of some guy who clearly died on the cross.  How can this be possible?  More importantly is it really that important to talk about the Resurrection of Christ?

Easter’s Champion Servant Warrior (Isa. 52:13-53:12)

On Good Friday we considered this servant song from the perspective of the suffering servant.  We saw that the sermon was clearly presenting a suffering warrior.  This is not a song that we normally associate with resurrection.  Is there a message of resurrection in this song?  Or is the resurrection something that is only taught in the New Testament?

Absurdity of a False Means (1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (LD 35; Head 5; Art. 14)

It is tempting to take out the doctrines of the Christian faith that do not seem to be that high of a priority.  We could do this with the doctrine of the resurrection.  We could try to make the case that this is a doctrine that only impacts us at the end of life rather than impacting us right now.  Is that something that the Apostle Paul would affirm?  Why does Paul make such a big deal about the resurrection and the gospel?  What does the Corinthian church teach us about the continuing nature of the church?

Don’t Worry He’s Sovereign: Life (Mark 15:40-16:8)

His Death and Exaltation (John 20:1-18)

The disciples know where they buried Christ.  They are the ones who placed Christ in the grave.  They showed their care for the Lord in their provision for Him, but yet Christ is not where they put him to rest.  What has happened?  Why does it seem like the only rational for Christ being some place else is because of grave robbers?  What other option is there that we should see, appreciate, and love?

The First Tests (Mark 12:13-27)

The pharisees and the sadducees finally have Christ right where they want him.  In their minds they have trapped Christ into either losing credibility with the people or being charged as an insurrectionist.  How is Christ going to get out of this trap?  What does Christ teach as He responds to their trap?

Your Kingdom Come (1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (LD 48)

The Lord is the king who rules over heaven and earth.  He is the one who triumphs and has while continuing to manifest His might, His power, and the strength of His hand.  So, if this is true then why would we ask that His kingdom would come if He is strong enough to establish it?  What does the resurrection have to do with this request?  Why would the resurrection be so essential for the Christian life?