SOUNDING OUT:
The Resurrection

  The resurrection of Jesus Christ was consistently on the lips of the first century believers. They knew its importance and enjoyed the newness of life that came with it. When Christ was raised we were raised with him. Now we can walk in that resurrection power (Ephesians 1:19-21).

  When a replacement for Judas was chosen it was required that he was a witness of Jesus' resurrection (Acts 1:22). When Peter taught God's Word on the day of Pentecost he mentioned the resurrection 4 times (Acts 2:24,30,31,32), and the about 3,000 souls who were born again and manifested the holy spirit that day believed Peter's report (Romans 10:9). When the crowd gathered after the healing of the lame man at the temple gate beautiful Peter spoke of the resurrection again (Acts 3:15,26).
Speaking of the resurrection was crucial and necessary. They spoke of it to everyone, everywhere, and it got them into trouble on several occasions (Acts 4:2,10; 5:30).
 
  Indeed, with great power the apostles gave witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. When Peter spoke to the Gentiles at the house of Cornelius, they also were born again and spoke in tongues after hearing of the resurrection and Peter's explanation that whosoever believeth may receive it (Acts 10:40-43). Paul spoke of it in Antioch, Pisidia (Acts 13:30,33,34,37) and in Athens (Acts 17:18,31,32). Paul also caught flack preaching the resurrection because it separated the partakers from the pretenders (Acts 17:32-34).

  Paul used the truth of the resurrection to polarize the Pharisees and Saducees (Acts 23:6,8). He also spoke of it before Felix (Acts 24:15,21) and Agrippa (Acts 26:8). The resurrection is too important to be relegated to only one Sunday a year. Without it there is no new birth, no power, no relationship with God. Through the resurrection God has given assurance unto all men… he raised Jesus from the dead and we were raised with him. It was the resurrection that marked Jesus out as God's Son (Romans 1:1-4).

  When you speak the Word include the great truth that we celebrate this Resurrection Sunday. "HE IS RISEN!" We serve a risen savior, he's in the world today…. Speaking of the resurrection empowered the first century church. It will do the same for us. So, never stop, don't stop, never stop speaking God's Word, don't stop speaking !