Intro. We have Inheritance, heaven. But Jesus also promised a little taste here - why? We should be Unified in our Commission. There is a task to complete - Jesus is not through seeking to save!
I. Infallible Presentations - The Resurrection is true - vs. 3 There are historical evidences of His resurrection, and the infallible Word gives proof as well.
A. The Announcement by Angels Luke 24:1 "Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. 3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: 5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,"
B. On The Road to Emmaeus Luke 24:15 "And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. 16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him."
C. Numerous times to the Apostles Luke 24:36 "And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you."
D. Specifically for Thomas, the analytical one John 20:27 "Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. 30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:"
E. To Peter and other Disciples that were fishing, (Restoration of Peter)
John 21:1 "After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself."
F. Paul confirmed it all in His writings of Scripture
1 Cor 15:5 "And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles."
Old Testament prophesied and in the New Testament, we see if fulfilled, and there is no way for it to be an accident. Birth, death, resurrection - Has to be God.
II. Indwelling Pleasure - vs. 4 - Wait for the coming Promise of the Father
When God makes a promise, it is coming! You may have to wait, but it will come.
A. A Coming Gift - John 7:38 "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)"
1. Salvation by faith - salvation by faith, salvation has always been by faith.
2. Salvation’s Fervor - never before had man known this fervor that was coming. Is it any wonder that certain things in the Old Testament were winked at. The Spirit of God had never lived inside of man - but now the river of Grace would flow like a river! Now they would know salvation in a new FERVOR!
B. A Coming Teacher - John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
C. A Coming Guide - John 16:7-13 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."
III. Infilling Power - vs. 5-8 - We have been given the presence of God through the Spirit of God. God with us still.
A. A Power to Perceive - Luke recorded more of Jesus’ conversation in - Luke 24:46 "And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high."
1. None of the N.T. was written at this time. AND THE O.T. CAME ALIVE
Remember all the times the Disciples would not understand some of the things Jesus would say? He would tell of His death, they would not get it.
2. O.T. Prophecies became clear
3. They understood the Lamb of God, slain before...
4. The Study of Types and Shadows were revealed
5. That is why, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that NT writers would say things like: that the scriptures might be fulfilled, according to the scriptures.
B. A Power to Proclaim - This is our Commission! In this we must be unified!
Jesus is still saving! Does the church still care for the souls of lost men, women, boys and girls? We have the power available. (Mt 28:19. Mk 16:15)
1. The Role - Ye shall be witnesses (other passages - GO)
Witnesses Unto me - Witness in a court of law, able to give the facts concerning Christ!
2. The Reason - unto Me - it is all Jesus.
3. The Reach - Here, there, and everywhere!
IV. Inspiring Promise - we find these two men again, possibly the same two that had been at the tomb.
A. Why Linger? Go do what He said! He just told you to go wait in Jerusalem for power.
B. Keep Looking - But while you are serving - remember why you do it! THIS SAME JESUS!
Concl. Are you ready to face Him? Are we the witnesses He wants us to be?
Will we give, especially those who do not give now, so that the gospel stays alive in our church.
