The single most important event in human history was the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the linchpin, tipping point of the Christian faith. Throughout the centuries, skeptics have aimed their largest guns at the veracity of the resurrection of Christ. Is there sufficient evidence available to warrant belief in the resurrection? YES!!

After numerous attempts to set Jesus free, Pilate gives in to the political peer pressure, and delivers Jesus into the hands of the Jews to be crucified. We view the crucifixion of Christ today through the eyes of John. This great wrong, Jesus’ crucifixion, ironically, made things right between sinners and God (2 Cor. 5:21).

This morning we examine two verses in the New Testament which are scary when you read them. These two verses are compelling and demand our thoughtful, prayerful attention and consideration.

One unspoken reality of the Christian life, at least often in the Western church, is that of suffering. For a variety of reasons, we have managed to develop a “theology of insulation” regarding suffering, meaning we feel that somehow the Christian life is to be “all honey and no bees.” Yet, as you well know, this is not true. We discover today that our present suffering cannot compare to sharing in Christ’s future glory!

Nehemiah had been born in exile...away from his native land. He had gained favor with the Persian king Artaxerxes and had become his “cupbearer.” It was because of this relationship that the king granted Nehemiah permission to go to Jerusalem to lead in rebuilding the wall and the gates of the city. It is in this project of rebuilding that Nehemiah learns some great lessons about discouragement.

The Bible is very clear. One day every believer will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. How do you feel about this biblical certainty and reality?

In our focal text, evidently some folks in the Corinthian context denied that Christ rose from the dead. Others felt that people would not and could not physically be resurrected. Gloriously, Christ’s resurrection assures us of many truths.

With this message, we launch into a new series seeking answers from the Bible to the question: “What happens after you die?” Inevitably, unless Jesus returns prior, each of us will pass from this temporal life. Fortunately, the Bible gives us much information about what happens after death. For the one who has put his/her hope in Christ, what the Bible says is most encouraging and uplifting. For the one outside of Christ, what happens after death is horrifying and sobering. May these messages from God’s Word challenge all of us to share Christ with those God puts in our lives! Much is at stake.

Upon first glance at verse 13, one might wrongly conclude that it is God who purposely leads His children into temptation. And, that conclusion would be emphatically false and unbiblical.

Are you satisfied with your prayer life? Does your approach to prayer need some help? When it comes to prayer, do you feel a bit awkward? Do you want to learn more about how to pray and for what you should pray?