TOPIC: RESURRECTION; THE GAME CHANGER

Prelude: It is amazing to see how other religions or other Faiths have copied many things from Christianity; ranging from our ordinances and doctrines, practices, "festivals", many things have been "xeroxed" or replicated to give their's a semblance or similarity to ours. Alas! one distinctive thing they can't attempt to copy in our Faith is the truth about Resurrection! Resurrection is an operation of God (Col. 2:12) and a fulfilment of the scriptures; Psalmist said, "thou will not allow thine Holy one to see corruption!" (Psm 16:10). Christ said he has the power to lay down his life and to take it up again!(John 10:17-18). The doctrine of resurrection has been seriously attacked by many. Prominent among the protagonist of resurrection is one Islamic apologist, late Ahmed Dedat, of South Africa. During his life time he severely criticized the facts of resurrection and described it has an hoax, fake and incomprehensible! Indeed it is, beyond science and ability of men, Christ rose from the dead and the power of the grave could not hold him captive. Resurrection set us apart from other Religions and put us at the vintage edge over and above them. Not only that Christ is risen, we also have the hope of resurrection. Hallelujah!

DISTINCTIVENESS:

1. Resurrection is not just a physical thing but also has spiritual implications. Romans 6:3-10.

2. When Christ rose from the dead, believers too rose with him. Col. 3:1-2.

3. If Christ has not risen we are of all men most miserable. 1 Cor. 15:13-19.

4. Resurrection is by the power of God and not man made, it can't be faked or copied. Col 2:12

5. Only those who are in Christ will rise with him at the last trump. 1Thes 4:13-17.

6. Assuming the Prince of this world truely knows that truly Christ will rise from the dead they would not have crucified the king of glory. 1Cor. 2:7-8.

7. Resurrection brings us a new body and a new life. Glorious, spiritual and incorruptible. 1Cor. 15:42-48.

8. Risen men are New Creation, Unique life now emerges where their is no class, status, title or position Christ is all in all. Col. 3:11.

9. Resurrection is not just a doctrine, but a personality. It is Personified in Christ. John 11: 25-26.

10. There is a spirit that raised Christ from the dead and that is a quickening Spirit. It quickens mortal body. ROm 8:11

11. No man rose from the dead to live again for ever, only Christ. Rom 6:

12. When a man like Lazarus met the Resurrection and the life, his story changed for good. John 11: 40-46.

Conclusion: Beloved, I plead with you, if you have not understood the power, implications, treasures and possibilities of a resurrected life, wake up and stair up yourself to receive insight that will liberate you from the things that ordinarily holds men down.

Your brother,

Abraham Akanmu

SHALOM