We are continuing to look at reasons that the early church seemed to have more power and authority than the church in America. In Acts 4:32-33 says: "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all." Today we are going to focus on the message of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Other than at Easter, how often do you hear the message that simply says that Jesus Christ has rose from the dead? It seems we are to busy trying to fix the problems of those we seek to evangelize as opposed to the message that Jesus was once dead but now lives. Because He lives, I shall also rise from the dead if I am His disciple. There is power in this message. It is also a dividing line between the disciple and the unbeliever.
The Barnes New Testament Commentary says: "The apostles bore testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This was the main point to be established. If it was proved that the Lord Jesus came to life again after having been put to death, it established all that he taught, and was a demonstration that he was sent from God. They exerted, therefore, all their powers to prove this; and their success was such as might have been expected. Multitudes were converted to the Christian faith." God confirms the preaching of His Word (see Mark 16:20 "And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.") As the Word is preached, God confirms that Word with signs following. Since much of the American church do not see signs following, it makes you stop and think what it has been preaching.
Today, examine your witness and testimony. Do you preach the Word or some isolated doctrine peculiar to your community of believers? I exhort you today to preach and witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is our message; that is our life.
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