Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? | Back to Life | Week 4

1 Corinthians 15:17 HCSB

“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.”

Did Jesus Really Rise From the Dead?

Historical Reliability

• Corroboration

• Consistency

• Chronology (Time Between An Event and It’s Record)

Can We Trust the Biblical Account?

What can we know about Jesus apart from the Bible?

3 Facts About Jesus Christ

1. Jesus Christ Died by Crucifixion

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1 Corinthians 15:3-4 HCSB

For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…

Matthew 27:50

Jesus shouted again with a loud voice and gave up His spirit.

Mark 15:37

But Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed His last.

Luke 23:46

And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I entrust My spirit.” Saying this, He breathed His last.

John 19:30b

Then bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

John 19:32-34

So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other one who had been crucified with Him. When they came to Jesus, they did not break His legs since they saw that He was already dead. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out.

2. Jesus Physically Appeared Postmortem

Matthew 28:8-9

So, [Mary Magdalene and Jesus Mother] departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning! ” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him.”

Matthew 28:16-17

The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw Him, they worshiped…

Mark 16:14-15

Later, He appeared to the Eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table..

Luke 24:39, 41-43

Look at My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself! Touch Me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” ... He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat? ” So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish, and He took it and ate in their presence.

John 20:19-20

In the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because of their fear of the Jews. Then Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you! ” Having said this, He showed them His hands and His side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

John 20:26-28

After eight days His disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace to you! ” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and observe My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Don’t be an unbeliever, but a believer.” Thomas responded to Him, “My Lord and my God! ”

1 Corinthians 15:4-8

that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the Twelve. Then He appeared to over 500 brothers at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one abnormally born, He also appeared to me.

1. Jesus Christ Died by Crucifixion

2. Jesus Physically Appeared Postmortem

3. Skeptics Convert, Christianity Spreads

• 2.2 billion Christians around the world in 2010

• By 2030, China's total Christian population...will exceed 247 million, placing it above Mexico, Brazil and the United States as the largest Christian congregation in the world,

Acts 2:41-42 HCSB

So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers.

Mark 3:21

When His family heard this, they set out to restrain [Jesus], because they said, “He’s out of His mind.”

1 Corinthians 15:7

Then He (Jesus) appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

Galatians 1:18-19

Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know [Peter], and I stayed with him 15 days. But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.

Acts 8:3

Saul, however, was ravaging the church. He would enter house after house, drag off men and women, and put them in prison.

1 Corinthians 15:9

For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

1 Corinthians 15:10-11

But by God’s grace I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not ineffective. However, I worked more than any of them, yet not I, but God’s grace that was with me.

Then all the disciples, minus John, are killed for professing Jesus Christ as Savior.

Acts 12:1-2

About that time King Herod cruelly attacked some who belonged to the church, and he killed James, John’s brother, with the sword.

John 20:19

In the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because of their fear of the Jews…

Liars don’t make good martyrs.

What Is the Best Explanation of These Facts:

1. Jesus Christ Died by Crucifixion

2. Jesus Physically Appeared Postmortem

3. Skeptics Convert, Christianity Spreads

Jesus Christ Truly Rose From the Dead.

Biggest Hurdle to trusting in the Resurrection