What steps can we take to strengthen our belief in Jesus' resurrection today? Anchoring Our Hearts in the Resurrection John 21:14: “This was now the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after He was raised from the dead.” The verse reminds us that the risen Jesus did not appear once and vanish; He met His followers repeatedly, giving solid footing for faith. Building on that certainty, here are practical steps for strengthening personal confidence in His resurrection today: Let Eyewitness Testimony Shape Thinking • Read the resurrection narratives aloud: Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20–21. • Note the concrete details—names, locations, times—that ground each account in history. • Pair the Gospels with 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, where Paul lists more than five hundred witnesses. • Remember 2 Peter 1:16: “We did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty”. Soak in the Full Scriptural Witness • Trace Old-Testament promises fulfilled in the resurrection (Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 53:11; Hosea 6:2). • Study Jesus’ own predictions: Matthew 16:21; John 2:19-22. • Let Luke 24:44-46 show how Jesus interpreted Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms concerning Himself. • Romans 10:17 reminds: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ”. Continuous exposure to that word enlarges confidence. Practice Resurrection Remembrance • Celebrate the first day of the week as the early church did (Acts 20:7), intentionally recalling that Jesus rose on Sunday. • Observe Communion regularly; 1 Corinthians 11:26 links the Lord’s Table to proclaiming His death “until He comes,” implying a living, risen Lord who will return. • Memorize key resurrection verses—John 11:25-26; 1 Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:18—and recite them when doubt intrudes. Invite the Holy Spirit’s Assurance • Jesus “presented Himself alive… by many convincing proofs” and then promised the Spirit (Acts 1:3-8). Depend on that same Spirit for inner confirmation. • Pray Psalm 119:18 before study: “Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things out of Your law”. • Expect the Spirit to “testify” (John 15:26) and to “enlighten the eyes of your heart” to the power that raised Christ (Ephesians 1:18-20). Live the Resurrection Daily • Walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). Small obediences demonstrate confidence that Christ’s life now works in you. • Share personal testimony of how the risen Jesus changes today’s challenges, echoing the disciples’ boldness in Acts 4:20. • Offer tangible acts of hope—encouragement, generosity, forgiveness—showing the world the power of an empty tomb. • Keep eternity in view: Colossians 3:1-4 calls believers to set minds “on things above, where Christ is,” fueling perseverance and joy. Standing Firm John 20:31 states the purpose of the Gospel: “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” Following these steps anchors belief not in feelings but in the unshakeable evidence and ongoing work of the risen Lord. |
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