How can we witness to others about Jesus being "raised on the third day"? Foundational Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:4 “that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” Why the Third Day Matters • Affirms Jesus’ victory over death, proving His deity (Romans 1:4). • Fulfills prophetic patterns—Jonah’s three days (Jonah 1:17; Matthew 12:40). • Validates every promise of Scripture: if the resurrection is true, the gospel is unshakeable (1 Corinthians 15:14). • Provides the foundation for personal hope of resurrection (1 Peter 1:3). How to Share This Truth Simply 1. Start with the facts: Jesus died, was buried, and rose on the third day—history recorded in Scripture (Luke 24:46). 2. Emphasize eyewitnesses: over five hundred saw Him alive (1 Corinthians 15:5-6). 3. Connect prophecy to fulfillment: show how the “third day” theme threads through the Old and New Testaments. 4. Share your story: explain how the risen Christ changed your life. Supporting Scriptures to Strengthen Your Witness • Isaiah 53:10-11—Messiah would prolong His days after suffering. • Psalm 16:10—“You will not abandon my soul to Sheol.” • Acts 2:31-32—Peter ties Psalm 16 to Jesus’ resurrection. • Romans 4:24-25—our justification hinges on Christ being raised. • 1 Thessalonians 4:14—future hope built on the third-day fact. Practical Ways to Bring the Resurrection into Everyday Conversation • When discussing loss or grief, offer the comfort of an empty tomb and living Savior. • Use holidays like Easter as natural bridges to explain the third-day miracle. • Share historical evidence (empty tomb, transformed disciples) in casual dialogue. • Offer to read a resurrection account together—Mark 16 or John 20. Common Objections and Gentle Responses • “Miracles can’t happen.” – Point to eyewitness testimony and historical reliability; a God who created life can restore it. • “Maybe the disciples stole the body.” – Explain Roman guards, sealed tomb, and disciples’ willingness to die rather than recant (Matthew 27:62-66; Acts 5:29-33). • “Resurrection is just a metaphor.” – Highlight Jesus’ physical appearances—eating, touching (Luke 24:39-43). Scripture treats it as literal history. Living Proof: Your Life as a Testimony • Walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4) to showcase resurrection power daily. • Demonstrate hope, joy, and unwavering faith—qualities that invite questions. • Serve others sacrificially; love in action reflects the living Christ. • Speak of future resurrection with confidence, showing that death no longer holds fear (Hebrews 2:14-15). |
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