No Cleverly Invented Stories

No Cleverly Invented Stories

II Peter 1:16-21

(Resurrection Sunday: April 4, 1999)

Pastor Eric J. Hanson

The Gospel of Jesus Christ rests upon a firm foundation of eyewitness accounts of His resurrection and ascension. There are no cleverly invented stories either. These witnesses paid a huge price of imprisonment, rejection, and martyrdom for standing up for the truth that Jesus Christ is the risen Lord and only savior of mankind!

I. Sunday

A. The 2 Marys. (Matt. 28: 1-10, Mark 16: 1-11, Luke 24: 1-11,

John 20: 1-2, 10-18.)

B. Peter & John see empty tomb. (Luke 24:12, John 20: 3-9.)

C. Two Disciples on Emmaus Road. (Mark 16: 12-13, Luke 24:13-35)

D. That night, the disciples in the locked room. (John 20:19-29)

II. Other Times

A. The Eleven at the mountain. (Matt. 28: 16-20)

B. The Eleven at a meal. (Mark 16: 14-20, Luke 24:36-49)

C. The disciples fishing (John 21:1-14)

III. Later Recollections

A. Luke’s Synopsis. (Acts 1:3-8)

B. Peter’s Proclamations (Acts 2:29-36, 3:14-15, 4: 10-12, 5:30-32)

C. Stephen’s Vision (Acts 7:54-60)

D. Saul’s Conversion, Ananias’ Vision (Acts 9:1-19)

E. Paul’s testimony. (I Cor. 15:1-8)

IV. Ascension Accounts

A. Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24: 50-53, Acts 1:9-11.

APPLICATIONS:

1. We have a unique faith, based on the resurrection and ascension.

2. We have a rational faith, based on reliable testimony and verifiable history.

3. We have a unique salvation, based on God’s, holiness, love, and grace.

a. No working your way up (Mormons levels, J.W. works salvation, classic modernism’s divine scales).

b. All have sinned. (Romans 3:10 & 23)

c. All can be saved (Romans 10:9-11)

(invitation)