What Jesus' Resurrection has to do with us? (8th April 2012)

Today Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 12∼19

 

12. But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

13. If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.

14. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.

15. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.

16. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.

17. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.

18. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.

19. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

 

 

 

Sermon: What Jesus' Resurrection has to do with us?

 

One day, near Easter season, one town in Britain, a new pastor came to preach in a church. Most town people listened his preaching with curiosity.

 

"There is a boy who lost his mother and his father who loved him very much in a peaceful beach. one day, he met strong winds and waves with his friend. Because of strong winds, they could not leave there and then almost go to be dead. His father was a keeper of lighthouse. he saw them and then sailed near them. The father got near there but he was very driven to despair. Why? in his boat, only one person can be taken. If he took two all, the boat should be turned over. So, the father firstly gave his hand to his son but suddenly changed his hand to be given to his friend. The boy was surprised to see his father. "I am sorry.. if you are dead, you can go to heaven. your friend did not meet our Lord Jesus Christ yet. " At that time the son smiled at his father and said " Yes it is, we will see in heaven." With his friend, the father went back to the land endless crying. After his preaching, some bad boys said "what the hell! the pastor made very stupid story." At that time, one grey old gentleman said to them, "oh young men! you are wrong. I am the father, the pastor who preached here is my boy's friend who I saved."

 

Jesus Christ is a only son of God. God is Jesus, Jesus is God. Why Jesus came to this world? The reason is that God created us, Human being very specially. how? He created the body with clay and soul with his breath. But humans had not known God, even they knew Him, they neglected and betrayed Him; for example, they worshipped the other gods at the same time or not. This is the biggest sin which anyone never wash out. So Jesus Christ, His only son came to here as a human in order to take all sins of human beings who God, His father loved. For achieving these, he was sacrificed, suffered, crucified, and then lived again from his tomb, against power of death.

 

Therefore, He became our Lord, and the salvation of the believers.

This is the day of grace, joy, victory and hope to Christians. So I would like to do for this today sharing with you. "Jesus is risen for us! be Joyful!" How the resurrection play a role in us?

 

Firstly we have to know exactly a question whether Jesus' resurrection is true or false? After three days, the tomb of Jesus was empty. The fact was written in four gospels of Bible. Moreover, a angel came to women who brought flower oils and give a fact that Jesus is risen for getting his life. (Luke 24:4~6) Jesus who lived again show himself in 11 times to disciples and 500 of his followers. (1 Corithians 15:5∼8) Because of it, we can receive his resurrection as the greatest gift of God.

 

Let us see verse 14~15. In this world no body lives again. In Egypt, there are so many pyramid tombs for kings and queens because they believed eternal lives and resurrection. So after resurrection of kings and queens, they put all goods and precious things for their use. However, till now no kings and queens of Egypt live again. Yes it is! only Jesus was risen by his human body from death. It means that only God can overcome death of human.

 

Let us read 17 to 19. Why Jesus' resurrection is important to us? The resurrection is that Jesus is our Lord. After seeing Jesus Christ from death, his disciples have in mind that he was their Lord. Faith of Resurrection! it drives us to know he is our lord. In Acts 4:12, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Jesus said to us clearly "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

What is our answer? " YES we believe it" Because his resurrection is the first fruit of all resurrection for us! if all the people of this world rely on Jesus Christ, overcome all sufferings and hardship with His blood, we should live in this world with hope of heaven. Where is the biggest gift to us?

 

With this fact, you and I all of "a house of prayer for all nations" would be blessed in Easter, the day of Jesus resurrection.