Raised with Christ 5
Chapter Eight: What did the resurrection ever do for us?
I remember the first time I read the Acts of the Apostles in one sitting. I came away with two ‘R’ words embedded in my mind: Repentance and Resurrection.
And the author of Raised with Christ: How the Resurrection Changes Everything, Adrian Warnock is also impacted by the importance of Jesus’ resurrection in Acts. As he rightly says, “each sermon [in Acts]…highlights a particular aspect of what the resurrection accomplished.” So let’s make a quick journey with Adrian:
- Acts 1:1-2: this is the continuing story of Jesus – the risen Lord. The fearful disciples were transformed from ‘fear paralysis’ to bold proclaimers of the Good News through the resurrection and coming of the Spirit
- Acts 2 (Pentecost sermon): Peter told the crowd not only that Jesus had been raised but also the implications of that resurrection for them
- Acts 3:15f, 26 (healing of lame man): Healing through faith in Jesus, who is alive. And direct link between the resurrection and salvation
- Acts 4:11f: Jesus is the most important being in the universe – the “capstone”. Salvation by union with Him alone.
- Acts 5:30f: it is the risen Jesus who grants us repentance and forgiveness
- Acts 7: risen Jesus gives Stephen remarkable confidence in the face of martyrdom
- Acts 9:4ff, 20: resurrection, Saul’s transformation and commissioning directly linked
- Acts 10:39ff (Peter/Cornelius): Resurrection, commissioning, proclamation
- Acts 13:37ff: Resurrection and salvation – Paul declares that salvation is more than forgiveness – we are freed from the power and consequences of sin
- Acts 17:2f (Thessalonica): OT record, cross, resurrection
- Acts 17:8, 30f (Athens): resurrection linked with truth of gospel; our resurrection and future judgment of world
Ever read Acts cover to cover? It is not only a great read but contains life transforming truths. Jesus is risen and that changes everything. We’ll be looking at the last part of Acts (chpts 18 to 28) at Deep Creek on Sunday mornings, beginning on May 9. Join us and/or download the messages.
Jesus is risen!