25-0420a - Detailed Summary

Preacher Mike acknowledges the scripture readings and introduces the sermon’s theme: the resurrection of Christ. He notes that the day is commonly referred to as Easter, a time when the religious world reflects on Christ’s resurrection, contrasting the annual observance of Easter with the church’s weekly celebration of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection on the first day of the week.

Mike elaborates on the importance of the first day of the week, citing Acts 20:7, where disciples gathered to break bread, referring to the Lord’s Supper. He explains that this practice occurred weekly, not just annually, and was distinct from common meals. The sermon highlights the early church’s practice in Troas, where disciples waited to observe the Lord’s Supper on the first day, emphasizing its centrality to Christian worship. Mike laments that some only consider Christ’s resurrection a few times a year, advocating for a weekly remembrance of His death, burial, and resurrection.

Addressing a question about whether Christ rose on Saturday or Sunday, Mike asserts that the Gospels clearly indicate the resurrection occurred on the first day of the week (Sunday). He references the Jewish and Roman calendars and cites passages like Mark 16:2-6, which confirm the resurrection took place after the Sabbath, as Mary Magdalene and others visited the tomb at dawn on the first day. Mike acknowledges debates about the exact day of the crucifixion (Thursday or Friday) but stresses that Christ was in the grave for three days and rose on the third day, consistently identified as the first day of the week in scripture.

Mike transitions to 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul outlines the gospel: Christ died for humanity’s sins, was buried, and rose on the third day, as foretold in the Old Testament scriptures. He references Romans 1:16 again, mistakenly attributing it to Kevin instead of John, to underscore the gospel’s saving power. Mike cites Psalm 16:9-11, which prophesies that God’s Holy One would not see corruption, indicating Christ’s resurrection. This section emphasizes that the resurrection is a fulfillment of scriptural prophecy and central to the gospel message.

Mike discusses the numerous witnesses to Christ’s resurrection, as listed in 1 Corinthians 15:5-8, including Cephas (Peter), the Twelve, over 500 brethren, James, all the apostles, and Paul himself. He explains that the requirement of two or three witnesses under the law validates the resurrection, but God provided far more, with many still alive at the time of Paul’s writing. Paul’s encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus is highlighted, where he persecuted the church until Jesus revealed Himself, proving His resurrection. Mike underscores Paul’s humility, acknowledging his past persecution but crediting God’s grace for his apostolic work.

Mike continues with Acts 1:1-3, where Luke describes Jesus presenting Himself alive to the apostles with “many infallible proofs” over forty days. He notes that Jesus appeared to the eleven apostles (Judas having died) and over 500 brethren, many of whom were still alive to testify. Paul’s Damascus road experience is reiterated as evidence of the resurrection, with Jesus identifying Himself to Paul. This section reinforces the abundance of eyewitness testimony, far exceeding the legal standard, to affirm the reality of Christ’s resurrection.

Mike addresses skepticism about the resurrection, even among some Christians, as noted in 1 Corinthians 15:12. Paul argues that if there is no resurrection, then Christ did not rise, rendering preaching and faith vain. Mike emphasizes that the apostles’ testimony, supported by witnesses, confirms God raised Christ. He cites John 20:30-31, which states that the signs, including the resurrection, were recorded to foster belief in Jesus as the Christ, leading to eternal life. John 21:25 is referenced to suggest the vastness of Jesus’ works, reinforcing the resurrection’s significance as a foundational belief.

Returning to Acts 10:38-41, Mike recounts Peter’s sermon to Cornelius’ household, describing Jesus’ anointed ministry, death on the cross, and resurrection on the third day. Peter emphasizes that Jesus appeared to chosen witnesses, not the general public, who ate and drank with Him, as seen in John 21:12. This section underscores the continuity of apostolic testimony, with Peter affirming the resurrection to Gentiles, highlighting its universal significance.

Preacher Mike continues emphasizing the credibility of the resurrection witnesses, particularly the apostles, who faced martyrdom for preaching Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. He argues that their willingness to die for this belief refutes the notion that they were false witnesses, as no one would sacrifice their life for a lie. Mike reinforces the resurrection’s certainty by citing Mark 16:6, which declares, “Christ is risen,” affirming that Jesus is a living Savior, validated by the consistent testimony of those who saw Him after He arose.

Mike urges the congregation to remember Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection not only on Easter but every Lord’s Day through the Lord’s Supper, which serves as a memorial of these events. He connects this to baptism, referencing Romans 6:3-4, where Paul explains that baptism reenacts Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Through baptism, believers are buried with Christ and rise to walk in newness of life, symbolizing a spiritual rebirth. This act signifies a transformation, aligning the believer’s life with Christ’s resurrection and new life.

Continuing with Romans 6:16-17, Mike stresses that baptism represents obedience to the gospel, the doctrine of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. He explains that believers, once slaves to sin, become slaves to righteousness through heartfelt obedience to this doctrine. Baptism is portrayed as the moment when one dies to sin and rises to new life, mirroring Christ’s resurrection. Mike cites Mark 16:16, which states that belief and baptism lead to salvation, emphasizing that obeying the gospel through baptism is essential for salvation and a commitment to follow Christ.

Mike encourages believers to live faithfully, walking in God’s light, as described in 1 John 1:7, where fellowship with God and cleansing by Christ’s blood are promised to those who remain faithful. He acknowledges that even saved individuals may sin but assures that Christ’s blood continually cleanses those who walk in the light. The resurrection of Christ provides hope beyond death, assuring believers of their own resurrection if they remain faithful until Christ’s return. This hope is rooted in the certainty of Christ’s resurrection and His ongoing role as a living Savior.

In closing, Mike issues a call to action, inviting those who have not obeyed the gospel to believe and be baptized, thereby contacting Christ’s blood, which washes away sins. He clarifies that the water of baptism is not what cleanses but serves as the means to access Christ’s atoning blood. Mike urges anyone needing to respond to the gospel—whether to be baptized or seek spiritual support—to come forward during the closing hymn. He emphasizes the assurance of Christ’s resurrection and the opportunity to live a transformed life through obedience to God’s plan.