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Condensed Good News of Jesus
Jesus died...
What is death?What is sin?
Why is death the penalty for sin?
Why did Jesus have to die?
Who can pay the penalty for sin?
...according to the Scriptures...
Several writings from historical prophets of God describe graphically the death of Jesus more than 500 years before they occurred.
| Psalm 41:9 | Betrayed by a friend | Mark 14:10 |
| Zechariah 11:12-13 | Sold for 30 pieces of silver | Matthew 26:15 |
| Psalm 27:12 | Accused by false witnesses | Matthew 26:60-61 |
| Isaiah 53:7 | Silent when accused | Matthew 26:62-63 |
| Isaiah 50:6 | Struck and spit on | Mark 14:65 |
| Isaiah 53:4-5 | Suffered in the place of others | Ro 4:25 ; 2 Co 5:21 ; 1 Peter 2:24 |
| Isaiah 53:12 | Died with sinners | Matthew 27:38 |
| Psalm 22:16 | Hands and feet pierced | John 20:27 |
| Psalm 22:6-8 | Mocked and insulted | Matthew 27:39-40 |
| Psalm 69:21 | Offered vinegar for thirst | John 19:29 |
| Zechariah 12:10 | His side pierced | John 19:34 |
| Psalm 22:18 | Cast lost for his clothes | Mark 15:24 |
| Psalm 34:20 | No bones broken | John 19:33 |
He was buried...
This merely proves that Jesus was dead and not just in a "swoon." His death was verified by the execution experts. And his DEAD body was released to a compassionate stranger for burial.
He rose again on the third day...
The Bible tells us in Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20, that Jesus did not remain in the tomb. Much circumstantial evidence and many witnesses attest to this fact. While not provable scientifically, there are many viable historical reasons to believe that Jesus rose from the dead.
Some common objections to the resurrection are:
- He never really died and when no one was looking, he sneaked away.
- The disciples came and stole his body while the guards slept.
- Everyone who was interested went to the wrong site and so they couldn't find him.
- All the early believers had identical hallucinations that Jesus lived again.
- The disciples conspired to deceive the public about Jesus and his "resurrection."
But none of these arguments stand up to scrutiny.
Why does it matter that Jesus is alive today?
...according to the Scriptures.
Just as the prophets of God foretold his suffering and death, Jesus' rising from the dead was also expected.
| Psalm 16:10 | His body would not decay | Matthew 28:9; Luke 24:36-48 |
| Isaiah 53:11-12 | After dying for others, he will live | John 20 |
How can I have a personal relationship with God through Jesus?
That is a question that countless people have asked.
Here are some of the answers they were given:
John 6:28-29
"What must we do to do the works God requires?"
Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe
in the one he has sent."
Acts 16:30-31
"What must I do to be saved?"
They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will
be saved."
Romans 10:9-10
If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is
with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
I want to remind you of the good news I preached to you,
which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this
gospel you are saved... For what I received I passed on to you as of first
importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the
Scriptures...
Those are the facts in condensed form. Just add faith. Here are some hints for doing that.
- Believe that these things are true.
For some that will mean more reading. Perhaps wrestling through these truths with friends would help. Others will need to find a church where they can ask tough questions without embarrassment. But the promise of God is that if you seek, you will find.
Think of it like this, Jesus died for MY sins. He suffered in MY place. He took all of MY punishment. And boy, am I grateful! He was buried for ME, proving that his death was real. And he rose from the dead to give ME the power to resist sin. He rose to give ME hope of eternal life. I can live forever with him.- Tell God you believe.
It's important that you express your faith to him in prayer. Like the beginnings of any friendship, it must be done personally. No one else can do it for you. Just talk to him about it or if it helps you write it down.- Trust him with your life.
If he can provide an answer to your greatest need, isn't it likely that he can meet and fulfill all the other needs in your life? If he can give you hope forever, isn't it likely that he can give you strength and hope for each day? Trust him and learn, over time to follow him in faith.- Tell someone else you believe.
It will help to solidify your decision. Maybe that friend can direct you to a place where you can learn more. Maybe that friend has been praying for a long time that you would take this step of faith in your life.- Learn more about your new life in God.
- Read about him in the Bible.
- Have a daily visit with him in prayer.
- Find a church that teaches truth about him.
If you're in the Erie area, we'd be thrilled to help you take your first steps with Jesus at Life Song Church. - Tell God you believe.