Three Attitudes Toward The Resurrection

This is Easter Sunday, an especially important day in the heart and lives of those who love the Lord Jesus Christ. Over 2000 years ago our Lord was crucified, buried, and rose again, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. This was a new beginning for us and all who would follow and serve Christ. This is why we meet on each and every Sunday morning of the year. It is to celebrate the risen savior.

God has always had a set time for sinful man to meet with him. In the old testament under the law, it was on Saturday, the sabbath. In the New Testament under grace, it is the first day of the week, Sunday.

Beginning with the resurrection and following it, every event recorded in the new testament which had importance or religious significance fell on the first day of the week. On the first day of the week, Christ arose from the dead, Matthew 28:1-6. On the first day of the week, Christ met his disciples in the new power and fellowship, John 20:19-25. On the first day of the week, Paul preached and broke bread, Acts 20:6-7. They worshipped and gave of their tithes and offerings on the first day of the week, 1 Corinthians 16:2.

So, this day and this event is the center and the heart of all we teach and preach. If you could take this day in this event away from us, we would have nothing. We would have no hope and no message, 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. This theme has been the only message of Bible preachers from the time of Christ until now. Acts 2;14, 22-24, 32-37, 4:10, 5:29-31, 10:39-40, 13:27-30.

There are three different attitudes that the message was received in, and this is what I want to share with you today. What is your attitude? Act 17:15-33

I. Some Mocked

1. The epicureans did not believe in life after death, so they mocked.

a. I have been told many times that this is all there is to life. There is no life after death.

b. That is not according to the Bible.

c. Job 14:14, 19:25-27

d. Paul, 2 Corinthians 5:1-2, 6-7

2. there has always been mockers. They were there in the days of Noah.

3. They were there in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 19:14

4. when our Lord was crucified, they were there, Matthew 27:27-32

5. we have the mockers and our day, 2 Peter 3:1-10

6. God is not mocked, Galatians 6:7-10

7. proverbs 1:7, 22-33, one day God will mock and laugh.

8. One last thought concerning those who would mock or make fun. How foolish to believe in a crucified, buried and risen savior, 1 Corinthians 1:18-21, 2:2.

a. the preaching of the old story is the only way a person will ever be saved.

b. Is it foolish to you today?

II. Some Delayed

1. The second attitude toward the resurrection is that of delay, neglect, put it off.

a. I don’t think there are many who would mock God or who would mock Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

b. I am positive there are many who would delay, not now, tomorrow.

c. Tomorrow is the Devil’s day. Today is God’s day and time.

1) Hebrews 3:7-15

2) 2 Corinthians 6:2

2. This is not a new attitude. Many have expressed this in the bible. Pharaoh in the midst of God dealing with him said, tomorrow, Exodus 8:10.

3. Waiting for tomorrow is a big mistake, Proverbs 27:1, James 4:13-14, our life is like a vapor, and you have no promise for a tomorrow.

4. Paul was confronted with this attitude many times.

a. Acts 24:10-15, 24-26

b. Before Agrippa, Acts 26:19-20, 24-32

5. The road marked tomorrow leads to the town called “Never.”

a. Hebrews 2:3, how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?

b. No one has ever drifted to God; you don’t drive into heaven.

6. I wonder how many Easter services have come and gone and you have said each year, “Next Sunday, Next year, I will get saved.” It’s always tomorrow.

a. Revelation 3:20

b. Jesus is always knocking, but you have never let him in.

III. Some Believed

1. “Howbeit, certain men clave unto Him, and believed.” What is it to believe?

a. First, it is to confess or agree with God. Agree with His word in what He has said about you and your sin. Matthew 10:32-33

b. Second, agree with God, in what He’s said about His Son and accept Him as your personal Savior, Romans 10:9-13.

c. Third, the Lord Jesus can and will give you a new life. Do you know Him. Does He live in your heart? If not, will you take Him today?

2. He has already chosen you. Will you choose Him?