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Where Are You Looking For Jesus?

 

You’re invited to our Easter services!

 

First Church of God

4600 W. 111^th Street

Oak Lawn, IL  60453

 

Easter Service times: Saturday, April 3, 5pm;

Sunday, April 4, 9am or 11am

 

#ThankYouForSharing

This can be the beginning rather than the end!

A couple of brief humorous moments from Saturday service

You are invited!

You're invited! -- Easter services

First Church of God
4600 W. 111th Street
Oak Lawn, IL

Service times: Sun. 9am and 11am

This is NOT the end!

Jesus is the one who couldn't be found at a tomb

Are you searching for God?

A Resurrection Is The Best Explanation of the Facts

Dr. William Lane Craig, is a theologian and scholar who has spent decades carefully examining theological issues, in particular, the resurrection of Jesus. Dr. Craig states these four facts “are widely accepted by New Testament scholars today.”

Fact number 1: After his crucifixion, Jesus was buried by Joseph of Arimathea in the tomb.

Fact number 2: On the Sunday following the crucifixion, Jesus’ tomb was found empty by a group of his women followers.

Fact number 3: On multiple occasions and under various circumstances, different individuals and groups of people experienced appearances of Jesus alive from the dead.

And… Fact number 4: The original disciples believed that Jesus was risen from the dead despite their having every reason not to.

There are many more things which could be said in support of each of these four statements but a great question to consider in light of these truths would be this: What is the best explanation of these facts?

If you are my friend on social media you already know my position on the matter, but I will state it here, anyhow: the best explanation for these four facts is that God, the Father, raised Jesus from the dead.

You say, “Yeah, but if you believe that explanation it means you have to believe a miracle occurred.”

That’s true. But it’s okay. He’s God. He is capable of performing miracles. In fact, what we consider miraculous is actually simple and natural to Almighty God.

“He isn't here! [The tomb.] He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.”

Matthew 28:6

Talking With My Dentist

While the suction hook was hanging in my mouth my dentist—who is a very nice friendly fellow—said, “So, how are things going at the church?”

I couldn’t speak very well. But I managed to say, “Aghrr uughh ehh ohhhh zzzhhh”

He nodded his head knowingly and said, “Isn’t that the truth!”

And we continued talking in that manner throughout my cleaning and check-up.

At one point, following a totally garbled comment from me—I had three instruments in my mouth at the time—he laughed, shaking his head and said, “Yep. We have exactly the same issue at our church every year around Easter.” He was laughing so hard he had to set down one of the instruments in order to readjust his glasses.

I do not know how he could interpret what I was saying but his responses seemed to indicate at some level he was understanding what I was saying.

As I was leaving his office he shook my hand and said, “Always good to catch up with you, Dan.”

I said, “I feel the same way, Dr. Bob.”

Fear And The Time In Between The Crucifixion And The Resurrection

Fear stinks.

Oh I know, there are situations in which fear serves a useful purpose. If a hungry lion escaped from the zoo and he’s been following you on the walking trail for the past couple of minutes you should have some fear or else you’re not taking the situation seriously enough.

But oftentimes fear is not good. Some people live with an unhealthy sense of dread and fear which prevents them from living life and doing the things they need to do and want to do. They live with a basic sense that they are alone, helpless, vulnerable and with the sense that whatever happens next will probably not be good.

I’m thinking about fear today because in between the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus it seems pretty likely His disciples were caught up in fear. Jesus had given them words of reassurance. He told them what would happen. He even said these specific words to His disciples, “Do not be afraid.” Jesus made it possible for them to experience peace and assurance but they tended toward fear instead.

It happens, doesn’t it?

In between the crucifixion and the resurrection, it looked dark. It seemed that, perhaps, evil would prevail. There was tremendous sadness, disappointment and confusion. I suspect some words to this effect were spoken: “What just happened? This is not how we thought this would go.”

Fear seemed reasonable.

Remember, though, it is not God’s intention that we live in fear.

Do not be afraid. Darkness doesn’t win.

God loves you. He loves you completely and perfectly. He loves you more than you can imagine. This is the truth. The more you know and genuinely recognize this truth the less fear you will experience.

And remember, even when things look grim, the story is not over. Easter is coming! 

Easter 2014 - Audio Podcast

1 Corinthians 15:3-9

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Why It's So Important That Easter Is True

1 Corinthians 15:12-19

            Click here for audio!

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