Acts
It is one of my favorite lines in the book of Acts. Governor Festus is explaining Paul’s case to King Agrippa, and as he reaches the heart of the controversy, he says,
“…they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.”(Acts 25:19 ESV)
I love that line because it makes me picture Paul continually insisting, and maybe even interrupting the proceedings with the same simple declaration: “He’s alive.” You can almost imagine the frustration in the room. Jesus of Nazareth was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He died. He was buried. End of story. Full stop. Dead men do not rise. And yet there is Paul, refusing to let the matter rest. “You’re wrong. He is alive. The Scriptures foretold it. The Apostles witnessed it. And my whole life has been changed by it.”
The resurrection of Jesus Christ was not merely one doctrine among many for Paul. It was the center of his life. It was the great reality that made sense of everything else. His suffering, his mission, his hope, his future, and even the story of the world itself. That is why Paul could not stop speaking about it. If Christ is risen, then everything changes. If Christ is not risen, then nothing holds together. The same question confronts us today: Is the resurrection at the center of your life? What is your hope? What defines your story? What is the light by which you understand the world around you?
To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and meditate upon Acts 25:13-26:32, Job 19:25-27, Daniel 12:2-3, John 11:25-26, 1 Corinthians 15:12-19, Philippians 3:8-21, and consider purchasing this teaching series called Alive.
As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Give to Our God Immortal Praise,” the Acclamation of Praise “When I Survey,” and the Hymn of Response “Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives so that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Acts 25:13-26:32
Title: A Resurrection Centered Life
- The Resurrection Must be Your Hope
- The Resurrection Must be Your Story
- The Resurrection Must be Your Light