Infallible Proofs

4 April 2021 AM – Acts 1:1-3 – Resurrection – Scott Childs

Introduction: Illustration: Have someone hold a rod. Bang the rod with another rod. Ask him if I banged his rod. Ask him for proof – saw, felt, heard.

Did you know that there is more proof that Christ rose from the dead than there is that I hit your rod? Read Acts 1:1-3.

Transition: This morning I want us to examine the infallible proofs of Christ’s resurrection found in Scripture and then consider the assurance they give us.

There are many infallible proofs that Christ lives

The words “infallible proofs” (v.3) describe clear observations, positive proofs, evidence too obvious to be doubted. Many observed the resurrected Christ with all of their human senses.

a. Many saw the resurrected Christ.

1) Mary Magdalene was first to see Christ. (Mark 16:9) “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.“

2) Other women who went to His graveside saw Jesus. (Matthew 28:9) “And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.“

3) Though not detailed in Scripture, Simon Peter saw Christ next (Luke 24:34) “Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.“

4) Resurrection Sunday afternoon, Christ appeared to Cleopas and a friend on the road to Emmaus (Lu 24:13-35). Read Lu 24:25-27.

5) Ten of the disciples saw Christ on Resurrection Sunday evening in the locked upper room (Jn 20:19-25).

a) They saw the scars in Christ’s hands and feet. (Luke 24:40) “And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.“

b) They watched Jesus eat. (Luke 24:41-43) “And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them.“

6) The disciples, including Thomas, saw him the following Sunday evening (Jn 20:26-29). Christ showed Himself clearly to Thomas. Note his response. (John 20:28) “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.“

7) Seven of the disciples saw Jesus on the shore of Galilee (Jn 21:1-24). We will note details later.

8) The disciples again saw Jesus on a mountain in Galilee (Mt 28:16-20).

9) At another occasion, more than 500 believers saw Christ at one time (1Co 15:6).

10) James and all the apostles saw Jesus again (1Co 15:7).

b. Many heard the resurrected Christ.

1) All of those who saw Jesus also heard him speak.

2) He explained His resurrection to them. (Luke 24:44-45) “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,“

c. Some touched the resurrected Christ.

1) We already learned that the women at the tomb held Jesus by his feet and worshipped him (Mt 28:9).

2) In the upper room, Jesus assured the disciples that He was not a spirit or ghost. (Luke 24:39) “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.“

3) He urged them to touch Him. He had a body of flesh and bones (no mention of blood).

d. Seven disciples ate a breakfast Christ prepared.

1) He caused them to catch 153 great fish (Jn 21:3-8).

2) They smelled and ate the fish He cooked (Jn 21:9-13).

3) With all five of their human senses, these disciples observed the resurrected Christ.

2. These proofs assure us of several facts.

a. Christ is truly alive.

1) He was truly dead for three days. God raised Him from the dead. (Acts 10:40) “Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;“

2) Jesus Christ is ALIVE! No question about it! Hundreds of people saw Him and heard Him speak. That many eyewitnesses is solid irrefutable evidence.

b. Christ fulfilled His earthly mission

1) (1 John 4:14) “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.“

2) (Romans 4:25) “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.“

3) Jesus said, (John 10:10) “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.“

c. Christ conquered death for us

1) One day you will die physically. However, physical death will not terminate you. Contrary to common opinion, death is NOT the end. Without Christ’s salvation, you will die spiritually and go to hell. (Romans 6:23) “For the wages of sin is death [physical and spiritual]; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.“

2) Christ died to abolish spiritual death. (2 Timothy 1:10) “But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:“

3) (1 Corinthians 15:55-57) “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.“

4) (1 Corinthians 15:22) “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.“

5) If you repent and place your faith in Christ, you will live eternally with Christ rather than in eternal hell. (Acts 3:19) “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…“

d. Christ now lives to help Christians

1) He is our hope of resurrection. (1 Thessalonians 4:14) “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” (1 Peter 1:3) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,“

2) He is our intercessor. (Romans 8:34) “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.“

3) He is our advocate when we sin. (1 John 2:1) “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:“

4) He is our burden-bearer. (1 Peter 5:7) “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.“

Conclusion: My friend, the evidence is irrefutable that Jesus Christ is ALIVE! He died for your sins and rose again for your justification. If you will humbly admit your need of Christ’s forgiveness and believe that He died and rose again to forgive your sin and give you eternal life, He will give you eternal life and a home in heaven. You were born a sinner, now you must be born a saint. Receive Christ’s offer while you may. Tomorrow may be too late.

Christian friend, Jesus is ALIVE! Believe it in your heart not just your head. The proofs are clear. We serve a living Saviour. Live for Him. Look for His coming. Depend on His help. Worship Him. Take time right now to thank Him that He died and rose again for your salvation.

Song: Christ Arose 138 #3

Infallible Proofs

4 April 2021 AM – Acts 1:1-3 – Resurrection – Scott Childs

Introduction: Illustration: Have someone hold a rod. Bang the rod with another rod. Ask him if I banged his rod. Ask him for proof – saw, felt, heard.

Did you know that there is more proof that Christ rose from the dead than there is that I hit your rod? Read Acts 1:1-3.

Transition: This morning I want us to examine the infallible proofs of Christ’s resurrection found in Scripture and then consider the assurance they give us.

There are many infallible proofs that Christ lives

The words “infallible proofs” (v.3) describe clear observations, positive proofs, evidence too obvious to be doubted. Many observed the resurrected Christ with all of their human senses.

a. Many saw the resurrected Christ.

1) Mary Magdalene was first to see Christ. (Mark 16:9) “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.“

2) Other women who went to His graveside saw Jesus. (Matthew 28:9) “And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.“

3) Though not detailed in Scripture, Simon Peter saw Christ next (Luke 24:34) “Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.“

4) Resurrection Sunday afternoon, Christ appeared to Cleopas and a friend on the road to Emmaus (Lu 24:13-35). Read Lu 24:25-27.

5) Ten of the disciples saw Christ on Resurrection Sunday evening in the locked upper room (Jn 20:19-25).

a) They saw the scars in Christ’s hands and feet. (Luke 24:40) “And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.“

b) They watched Jesus eat. (Luke 24:41-43) “And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them.“

6) The disciples, including Thomas, saw him the following Sunday evening (Jn 20:26-29). Christ showed Himself clearly to Thomas. Note his response. (John 20:28) “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.“

7) Seven of the disciples saw Jesus on the shore of Galilee (Jn 21:1-24). We will note details later.

8) The disciples again saw Jesus on a mountain in Galilee (Mt 28:16-20).

9) At another occasion, more than 500 believers saw Christ at one time (1Co 15:6).

10) James and all the apostles saw Jesus again (1Co 15:7).

b. Many heard the resurrected Christ.

1) All of those who saw Jesus also heard him speak.

c. Some touched the resurrected Christ.

1) We already learned that the women at the tomb held Jesus by his feet and worshipped him (Mt 28:9).

2) In the upper room, Jesus assured the disciples that He was not a spirit or ghost. (Luke 24:39) “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.“

3) He urged them to touch Him. He had a body of flesh and bones (no mention of blood).

d. Seven disciples ate a breakfast Christ prepared.

1) He caused them to catch 153 great fish (Jn 21:3-8).

2) They smelled and ate the fish He cooked (Jn 21:9-13).

3) With all five of their human senses, these disciples observed the resurrected Christ.

2. These proofs assure us of several facts.

a. Christ is truly alive.

1) He was truly dead for three days. God raised Him from the dead. (Acts 10:40) “Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;“

2) Jesus Christ is ALIVE! No question about it! Hundreds of people saw Him and heard Him speak. That many eyewitnesses is solid irrefutable evidence.

b. Christ fulfilled His earthly mission

1) (1 John 4:14) “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.“

2) (Romans 4:25) “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.“

3) Jesus said, (John 10:10) “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.“

c. Christ conquered death for us

2) Christ died to abolish spiritual death. (2 Timothy 1:10) “But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:“

3) (1 Corinthians 15:55-57) “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.“

4) (1 Corinthians 15:22) “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.“

5) If you repent and place your faith in Christ, you will live eternally with Christ rather than in eternal hell. (Acts 3:19) “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…“

d. Christ now lives to help Christians

2) He is our intercessor. (Romans 8:34) “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.“

3) He is our advocate when we sin. (1 John 2:1) “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:“

4) He is our burden-bearer. (1 Peter 5:7) “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.“

Christian friend, Jesus is ALIVE! Believe it in your heart not just your head. The proofs are clear. We serve a living Saviour. Live for Him. Look for His coming. Depend on His help. Worship Him. Take time right now to thank Him that He died and rose again for your salvation.

Song: Christ Arose 138 #3