What happens when a formerly dead man shows up behind locked doors, then floats up into the sky with a promise to return? In the final moments of Luke's Gospel, we find Jesus preparing his followers for a mission that would transform the world—a mission that continues through us today.

The story begins with an unexpected surprise, much like the Uber driver who previously drove hearses and wasn't prepared for a tap on the shoulder. Jesus' disciples weren't expecting resurrection either, yet here they stood, receiving final instructions from their risen Lord before his dramatic ascension.

Rather than basing their confidence on miraculous experiences, Jesus anchors them to Scripture, emphasizing that everything written about him "in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms" had been fulfilled. This foundation remains our bedrock today—not emotional experiences but God's unchanging Word.

His message centers on two elements many modern churches avoid: repentance and forgiveness of sins. This isn't a suggestion or optional philosophy but an ultimatum that demands decision. Jesus then expands this proclamation globally, entrusting the mission to ordinary, flawed individuals. The Lord doesn't choose the equipped; he equips the chosen.

The mission becomes possible only through Christ's ascension, which triggers several vital promises: the Holy Spirit's descent to empower believers, the preparation of our heavenly home, Christ's ongoing intercession as our High Priest, and the guarantee of his return. When he ascended, Jesus didn't shed his humanity—there is now "a human being on the throne of the universe," forever both God and man.

Through the Spirit's power, we're transformed from the inside out. Like the testimony of Josh McDowell, who found himself able to love his abusive father through the Spirit's work, we discover resources beyond our natural capacity when we surrender to God's indwelling presence.

Where is your Jerusalem? What's your witness? The mission continues through us, ordinary believers living extraordinary lives as evidence of an extraordinary Savior who went up but promised to come back down.

Have you embraced both his message of repentance and forgiveness? Are you living as his witness? The world's jury is still deliberating—what verdict will your life help them reach?

Discover more wisdom from God's Word: https://www.wisdomonline.org

God works powerfully through broken, humble vessels who are honest about their spiritual struggles. The greatest servants of God throughout history—Samuel Johnson, William Carey, and Peter—all battled with consistent spiritual disciplines but never ceased to confess their failures.

Highlights from this message:

• Samuel Johnson's journal revealed a 40-year struggle with morning prayer and devotions
• William Carey, "father of modern missions," confessed feeling defective and cold in his spiritual duties
• God uses broken vessels who are humble, not proud or apathetic ones
• Peter's restoration at the seashore demonstrates how Jesus recommissions broken disciples
• Jesus asked Peter "Do you love me?" three times, using different Greek words for love
• The Lord doesn't ask for perfect performance but honest hearts
• Jesus' command to "feed my sheep" shows the priority of spiritual nourishment
• All shepherds must remember they are also sheep, dependent on the Chief Shepherd
• The greatest commandment centers on loving God, not perfect performance
• God uses broken things—broken alabaster boxes, soil, clouds, grain, and bread

If you're struggling with repeated spiritual failures, remember that the gospel isn't just good news for unbelievers—it's also good news for disciples who disappoint the Lord. Return to what matters most: your love for Christ.

Discover more wisdom from God's Word: https://www.wisdomonline.org

What would happen if Jesus suddenly appeared in your living room? Many Christians instinctively expect criticism or condemnation, imagining He would highlight our spiritual shortcomings. But the biblical account of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances reveals something radically different – a stunning demonstration of grace toward followers who had failed Him spectacularly.

The disciples weren't exactly profiles in courage. They abandoned Jesus at His crucifixion, denied knowing Him, and now huddled behind locked doors despite multiple resurrection sightings. They were convinced these reports were too good to be true – until Jesus miraculously materialized in their midst. Rather than rebuking their cowardice, His first words were "Peace to you." This wasn't just a casual greeting but a profound offer of reconciliation.

When the disciples initially mistook Him for a ghost, Jesus provided compelling evidence of His physical resurrection. "Touch me and see," He invited, showing the wounds in His hands and feet. These weren't shameful reminders but badges of honor – memorials of His victorious love. He even ate broiled fish before them, proving His body was real, not an apparition.

The story of Thomas reveals Jesus' extraordinary patience with our doubts. Missing the first appearance, Thomas demanded physical proof before believing. Instead of dismissing him, Jesus appeared again specifically to accommodate Thomas' request. "Put your finger here and see my hands... do not disbelieve, but believe." This encounter teaches us that Jesus doesn't choose disciples who never question; He chooses those willing to be taught His answers.

From these resurrection appearances emerge two profound truths. First, Jesus responds to our failures with grace, our doubts with patience, and our fears with His presence. Second, Jesus doesn't choose disciples who will never fail Him; He chooses disciples and then proves He will never fail them. This transformational love turned fearful followers into bold witnesses willing to face martyrdom for the risen Christ.

Have you experienced this kind of grace? The risen Lord knows exactly where you are today – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Even your greatest fears and failures cannot lock Him out. Will you respond as Thomas did with the ultimate confession of faith: "My Lord and my God"?

Discover more wisdom from God's Word: https://www.wisdomonline.org

Have you ever felt like throwing in the towel on your faith? On Resurrection Sunday, while many celebrated at the empty tomb, two disillusioned disciples were walking away from Jerusalem, abandoning their hopes that Jesus was the Messiah. They had witnessed his cruel death and couldn't make sense of rumors about his resurrection. Their dreams were shattered.

What happens next reveals something remarkable about Jesus' heart. Instead of making his first post-resurrection appearance to religious leaders or even his faithful apostles, Jesus pursues these quitters. He walks alongside them on their journey home to Emmaus, though they don't recognize him. For the next seven miles, the risen Christ gives them the most comprehensive Bible study ever conducted—explaining how every book from Moses through the prophets pointed to himself.

This encounter transforms our understanding of faith. Jesus deliberately kept them from recognizing him visually because he wanted to establish their faith on something more enduring than sight—the written Word of God. Only after opening the Scriptures to them did he allow them to see his nail-pierced hands during a shared meal. Then he vanished, leaving them with burning hearts and renewed purpose.

Their response is immediate and dramatic. These men who had been walking away from hope turn around and rush back to Jerusalem, their direction completely reversed. The pattern is beautiful: Jesus first opened their minds to understand Scripture, then opened their eyes to recognize him, and finally opened their mouths to proclaim the good news.

If you're feeling hopeless or walking in the wrong direction today, take heart. Jesus knows exactly where you are. He's not waiting for you to find your way back—he's already walking alongside you, ready to redirect your path through his Word. Your heart can be warmed not by what you see around you, but by what God has said to you.

Listen to this powerful exploration of how Scripture—not sight—becomes our foundation for unshakable faith, even in our darkest moments.

Discover more wisdom from God's Word: https://www.wisdomonline.org

The resurrection of Jesus stands as history's most consequential miracle—yet who were the first witnesses to this world-changing event? This episode explores the fascinating accounts of those who discovered the empty tomb and encountered the risen Christ.

We begin by examining a cautionary tale—Thomas Jefferson's edited Bible that removed all miracles and ended at the sealed tomb. In stark contrast, Luke's Gospel introduces us to diverse eyewitnesses who testify to the supernatural reality of resurrection. From Joanna, the sophisticated wife of Herod's household manager, to Mary Magdalene, delivered from seven demons and a dark past, these witnesses span the social spectrum.

The evidence they encountered demands explanation. Peter and John discover grave clothes lying undisturbed in the shape of a body—but with no body inside. Mary, weeping outside the tomb, encounters angels and then Jesus himself, who calls her by name. These aren't fabricated tales but testimonies that transformed lives.

What makes this account particularly compelling is how it defies expectations. Jesus didn't march victoriously to confront his enemies after rising. Instead, he revealed himself first to ordinary followers, commissioning them as witnesses. The resurrection narrative challenges us with a profound question: How do you see the empty tomb? With skepticism, curiosity, or faith?

This message resonates today as we see university students writing the entire Gospel of John in chalk across two miles of campus sidewalks and hundreds being baptized. The resurrection continues to transform lives across social divides, offering hope that no past is too dark for God's redemptive power. How will you respond to the evidence of the empty tomb?

Discover more wisdom from God's Word: https://www.wisdomonline.org

Death conspiracies follow the famous—from Elvis Presley to Abraham Lincoln and ultimately to Jesus Christ. But what makes Jesus's case different from all others? This eye-opening exploration takes us to humanity's most famous graveside scene, examining compelling evidence that something truly supernatural happened when that stone rolled away.

We journey through five powerful evidences that verify Christ's resurrection: the undeniable appearance of angels described as "lightning-bright," a massive two-ton stone tossed aside "as if it were a pebble," an empty tomb where Jesus's body had been carefully placed, explicit predictions Jesus made about his own resurrection, and the culturally inconvenient fact that women served as the first witnesses in a society that deemed female testimony inadmissible.

The historical details are fascinating—Roman guards representing an undefeated empire became "like dead men" at the angelic appearance, disciples initially dismissed the women's reports as "delirious speech," and the stone wasn't removed to let Jesus out but to let disciples in. Recent archaeological discoveries like James's ossuary (bone box) provide tangible connections to biblical accounts, while Jesus's remains have never been found—and never will be.

This message challenges the modern rejection of miracles, using a compelling illustration: just as someone removing money from a drawer doesn't violate mathematics, the resurrection doesn't break natural laws—it simply reveals that God has reached into human history and done something extraordinary. The same supernatural hand that raised Jesus brings spiritual life to everyone who believes.

When we struggle with doubt, remember the angel's simple remedy: "Remember what He told you." Disbelieving God's promises only invites unnecessary worry. The resurrection isn't merely historical fact—it's the foundation of authentic hope and transformed lives.

Discover more wisdom from God's Word: https://www.wisdomonline.org

A secret disciple steps from the shadows into the spotlight of history. Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and respected member of Israel's Supreme Court, had followed Jesus in secrecy, fearing what might happen if his faith became known. When would be the right time to declare his allegiance? The answer came at the most unexpected moment – not when Jesus performed miracles or taught with authority, but when he hung dead on a cross.

The Gospel writers paint a compelling portrait of Joseph as "good and righteous," "prominent," and "noble." He carried influence in the Sanhedrin, though he hadn't consented to their plan to execute Jesus. Like others in the Jewish ruling council who secretly believed, he struggled between conviction and courage, weighing the cost of public identification with Christ against his position, reputation, and security.

What makes Joseph's story so remarkable is the timing of his decision. When Jesus' own disciples were hiding behind locked doors "for fear of the Jews," Joseph "gathered up courage" and approached Pilate, requesting the body of Jesus for burial. This audacious act – seeking honorable burial for someone executed as a criminal – immediately exposed his faith. By Jewish law, touching a corpse made him ceremonially unclean for Passover. By Roman custom, crucifixion victims were denied burial as a final humiliation. In this one courageous act, Joseph transformed from secret disciple to public follower.

The consequences would have been swift and severe – dismissal from the Sanhedrin, exclusion from the synagogue, loss of social standing, and potential danger from those who had orchestrated Jesus' death. Yet at this crossroads, Joseph chose the path of courage over caution, providing his own family tomb for Jesus' burial and fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy that the Messiah would be "with the rich in his death."

Joseph's transformation challenges us to consider our own response to Christ. Are we shrinking into silence or stepping forward in courage? Are we more concerned with human approval than divine recognition? The cross became Joseph's defining moment – what will be yours?

Discover more wisdom from God's Word: https://www.wisdomonline.org

Witness the transformative power of faith in the most unexpected moments and places. What drives someone to embrace a new belief amidst societal pressures and personal risk? We promise to uncover the compelling stories of unexpected conversions to faith surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus. From the dying thief who found redemption in his final moments to the Roman centurion who recognized divinity where others saw defeat, these narratives challenge us to consider the profound impact of a moment's revelation.

Join us as we paint a vivid picture of courage embodied by Joseph of Arimathea, a secret believer who boldly stepped out of the shadows to honor Jesus with a dignified burial. His story parallels those of historical figures who have wrestled with inner conflicts between personal faith and external expectations. Joseph’s actions not only fulfilled prophecy but also came at a high personal cost, redefining what it means to stand firm in one's beliefs. Explore with us the legacy of Joseph, whose journey from secrecy to missionary work in England continues to inspire a call for courage and nobility in faith today.

Discover more wisdom from God's Word: https://www.wisdomonline.org

T.S. Eliot’s leap of faith sent ripples through his intellectual circle, and the resulting shock and disdain are still felt today in the stories of modern first-generation believers. Virginia Woolf's reaction to Eliot's conversion highlights the potential alienation that comes with embracing Christianity in a secular world. This episode investigates the emotional and social upheaval that often accompanies such a profound personal transformation, offering listeners a chance to reflect on their own spiritual journeys. From the reactions of those at Calvary to the ongoing impact on believers, we traverse the timeless and often challenging crossroads of faith and societal acceptance.

Journey with us as we unravel the poignant and contrasting responses to Christ’s crucifixion. Witness the regret in the crowd and the sorrow among His disciples, juxtaposed with the Roman centurion’s moment of revelation—a moment that transcends time and tradition. The courage of modern believers, mirrored in the steadfastness of a Roman soldier, serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith. Through stories of sacrifice, like that of a young Malaysian girl choosing her faith over familial acceptance, we celebrate the unwavering conviction that has inspired countless lives across generations. Join us to explore the unyielding truth and transformative power of faith that continue to resonate today.

Discover more wisdom from God's Word: https://www.wisdomonline.org

What if everything you've believed about earning your way to heaven through good deeds isn't true? In this episode, we unravel the misconception of works-based salvation by examining the final moments of Jesus Christ on the cross. Through his powerful declaration, "It is finished," we uncover the profound truth that it is Christ's sacrifice, not our actions, that redeems us. Journey with us as we explore what this means for believers, offering assurance and victory in the transition from this life to the next.

The miraculous tearing of the temple veil at Christ's crucifixion stands as a testament to the removal of barriers between humanity and God. We delve into the symbolism of this event, tracing its roots back to the cherubim-guarded Garden of Eden to illustrate our historical separation from divine intimacy. This episode connects the dots through Scripture, weaving narratives from Genesis to the construction of the tabernacle, underscoring how Christ's sacrifice makes reconciliation with God possible for all.

Personal stories bring these themes to life, such as that of an elderly church member who found peace in hymns during his final days. These narratives highlight the ultimate trust and faith Jesus exemplified with his words, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." We invite you to consider the depth of divine refuge and gratitude found in these spiritual truths, encouraging listeners to embrace the completed work of Christ as the foundation of true faith and eternal assurance.

Discover more wisdom from God's Word: https://www.wisdomonline.org