The central tenant upon which Christianity stands is the resurrection. If you remove the resurrection, you remove Christianity itself. Today we read of Christ’s resurrection and what it meant for the first disciples, and what it should mean for us.
Luke 24: The Resurrection
1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.
2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb,
3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel.
5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee,
7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise."
8 And they remembered his words,
9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.
10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles,
11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.
12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marvelling at what had happened.
On the Road to Emmaus
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem,
14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened.
15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.
16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
17 And he said to them, "What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad.
18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19 And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,
20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.
21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.
22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning,
23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.
24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
25 And he said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?"
27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther,
29 but they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.
31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.
32 They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?"
33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together,
34 saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!"
35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, "Peace to you!"
37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit.
38 And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?
39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have."
40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marvelling, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?"
42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish,
43 and he took it and ate before them.
44 Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled."
45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
46 and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,
47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
48 You are witnesses of these things.
49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."
The Ascension
50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.
51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
53 and were continually in the temple blessing God.
Things to think about…
1. In Luke 24:1-12 we see these three women Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James and Joanna bringing spices to anoint the body of Christ. They remembered that a stone had been rolled in front of the tomb, yet they come. Sometimes we hear the Word of God and even though we fear or doubt, we go anyway. The Lord blesses in these situations. These ladies were met by two angels and told ‘He is risen’. This is our message, even when we doubt, let’s live out and share this timeless truth.
2. I love the ‘Road to Emmaus’ story in Luke 24:13-35. Imagine hearing this sermon about how Jesus is in the OT through the Law, Psalms and the Prophets from the lips of Christ! Look at verse 31. Their eyes were opened when Jesus blessed and broke the bread. When we fellowship with each other, especially around communion, the Lord indeed speaks. Can you remember a time when the Lord spoke to you during a communion service and in some way, opened your eyes? May we have the same statements as these men that our “hearts would burn within us” when we hear the Word of God”.
3. Look what happens when we see Christ for who He truly is. We forget everything about our worldly pursuits and we do everything to tell others about Him. After Jesus reveals who he is these 2 disciples return to where they had come from earlier, vs 33, 34 “And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" When God gets our heart we want to be involved in bible stuidy, meeting with others, getting involved in church ministry and giving to extend the gospel. Pray we see more of this in our corner of the vineyard.
4. Look at the three things the Lord reveals to the disciples when he appears to them as the resurrected Christ. 1. He shows who He is, Luke 24:38, 39. 2. He opens their minds to understand the scriptures, vs 45 and then 3. He asks them to be clothed with power from on high, vs 49 – we know this was Pentecost where they all received the Holy Spirit and gifts. As Christians we should have all three of these realities working out through our lives. Question:- are all three evident in your life? May there be plenty of examples.
5. Look at the Ascension in Luke 24:50-53. It says after He ascended that they worshiped Him, vs 52. Isn’t that what we do? Even though Christ is not here in bodily form, we worship Him. Do you sometimes doubt Christ’s presence when you are trying to worship? What are the factors that stop us from worshiping Him ‘in spirit and in truth’? May they all be removed, and we see Him as He is – our resurrected Lord.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Cell groups are encouraged to do alpha training at church on Wednesday night 6:30pm.
Prayer Points
1. Pray for Tad and family as they continue life after Andy. The comfort is they know where he is.
2. Pray for the Kids Klub starting Fri 28th July.
3. Pray for alpha course starting 26th July Wed 6:30pm at Church. Invite non-Christians.
4. Pray about Sunday’s message that it would change lives.
5. That those who are new to the church are encouraged and settle in well into the church.
6. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you saved.
7. Pray for Kids@church.
8. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. It was a wonderful send off to Andrew Proszynski yesterday. The YouTube live clip is online if you missed it https://youtube.com/live/-_lzRDLuSDQ
2. Praise God for new life! Jennifer has been blessed with 2 more grandchildren. Twin girls – Aurelia Rose Blackwood and Callista Lily Blackwood – 2kg each. Both healthy and mum as well. Praise the name of the Lord!
3. Andrew has gone to be with the Lord. He is free from pain and rejoicing with His Saviour around the throne. Funeral tomorrow 10am at Chuwar Baptist Church.
4. Give thanks for Sally who has consistently been able to come to church with Richard.
5. Some encouraging signs of those wanting to consider who Jesus was. People asking about baptism.
6. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Alpha Course starting on Wed 26th July – 6:30pm – invite non Christians to this course.
2. Friday afternoon Kids Klub – starting third term Fri 28th July – 3pm (3:30pm start) - 5:30pm.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for July...
Q. 10. Where is God? A. God is everywhere.
Psalm 139:7-12; Acts 17:27-28; Jeremiah 23:23-24.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
