In what ways should Jesus' resurrection impact our evangelism efforts today? Opening Scripture “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said! Come, see the place where He lay.” (Matthew 28:6) The Empty Tomb Launches a Living Message • The angel’s announcement is history, not myth. • Because Jesus physically rose, we carry a message anchored in fact, not philosophy (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Evangelism begins with confidence that God has already acted decisively. Resurrection Validates Every Claim of Christ • Romans 1:4 – The resurrection declares Him “with power to be the Son of God.” • Matthew 28:18-20 – On the heels of rising, Jesus says, “All authority … has been given to Me.” • Our evangelism rests on a verified Savior whose words carry absolute authority. Resurrection Guarantees a Saving Gospel • Romans 10:9 ties saving faith directly to believing “God raised Him from the dead.” • Because He lives, salvation is present-tense and available now. • We aren’t offering mere forgiveness; we’re offering life that triumphed over death. Resurrection Supplies Power for Witness • Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” • The same Spirit who raised Jesus (Romans 8:11) now fuels our words and actions. • Evangelism is never just our effort; it is resurrection power at work through yielded people. Resurrection Shapes Our Tone and Confidence • 1 Peter 1:3 – We speak out of “a living hope,” not boredom or fear. • 1 Peter 3:15 – Hope makes us ready to give a reason, and hope keeps that reason gentle. • Our demeanor—joyful, steady, fearless—testifies as loudly as our words. Resurrection Clarifies Our Mission Field • John 20:21 – “As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you.” • Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances break barriers: to women, doubters, outcasts. • Therefore, no person or culture is beyond the scope of our witness (“all nations,” Matthew 28:19). Resurrection Provides Urgency and Assurance • Because death is defeated, eternal destinies hang in the balance—people must hear. • Because Jesus is alive forever, the results of faithful witness are never wasted (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Urgent yet unhurried: we labor, knowing our risen Lord will draw people to Himself. Living Out Resurrection-Fueled Evangelism Today 1. Start conversations with personal resurrection stories—how Christ’s life changed yours. 2. Center gospel explanations on the cross and empty tomb, not merely morality. 3. Pray expecting Spirit-empowered boldness; He still rolls stones away in hearts. 4. Celebrate new birth publicly through baptism, picturing death-to-life transformation. 5. Let resurrection joy permeate hospitality, service, and compassion; credible love opens ears. 6. Keep learning to defend the historical resurrection so faith rests on evidence as well as experience. Conclusion: He Is Risen—So Go The angel’s declaration in Matthew 28:6 echoes in every age. An empty tomb means a living Savior, a living Savior means a living message, and a living message needs living messengers. Let the resurrection animate every word, deed, and heartbeat of your evangelism. |
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