April 9, 2023
“He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.“ Luke 24:6-7
“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” Matthew 28:5-6
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.” Mark 16:6
Why should we believe in Jesus and Christ’s resurrection? This question was asked by Lee Strobel an investigative journalist and a former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune. In preparation for this devotional, Mr. Strobel came to mind. I read his book “The Case for Christ” about 15 years ago. Since then, he has written at least three other books: The Case for Easter, Faith, and Miracles.
Mr. Strobel was atheist-turned-Christian after his comprehensive investigation and cross-examination of dozen experts with doctorates from schools such as Cambridge, Princeton, and Brandeis, asking hard-hitting questions, and taking a deeper look at the evidence from the fields of science, philosophy, and history. His research led him to examine the historical and scientific evidence for Christianity.
Mr. Strobel interviewed leading scholars and experts in the fields of history, archaeology, and ancient manuscripts who presented compelling evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through his investigation, he discovered several key pieces of evidence that convinced him of the truth of Christianity, including the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The reliability of the New Testament documents: Mr. Strobel interviewed experts in the field of textual criticism who explained that the New Testament documents are some of the most well-preserved and historically reliable documents from the ancient world. The scientific evidence for the existence of God: He interviewed scientists who presented evidence from cosmology, physics, and biology that pointed to the existence of an intelligent Creator. Overall, Mr. Strobel was convinced by the cumulative weight of the evidence that Christianity was true, and that Jesus Christ was indeed the Son of God and the Savior of the world. This Jesus, the Son of God became his Savior and Lord!
How would you defend your faith? 1 Peter 3:15, says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The Scripture reminds us of the importance of being able to defend and explain the truth of God’s word, so that others may come to understand and believe it as well.
There is unequivocal evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is so overwhelming that it compels acceptance by proof which leaves absolutely no room for doubt.” However, personal proof of the resurrection – that Jesus rose from the dead is evidenced by a changed life that is impossible to be done by human effort.
The presence of Christ in a believer’s life is believed and is evidenced by a transformation in the individual’s behavior and character, which is often referred to as the “fruit of the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.” (ESV) These characteristics are seen as evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in the believer’s life, which is believed to be the result of their faith in Jesus Christ.
Furthermore, Christian belief holds that Christ’s presence in a person’s life can lead to a change in their priorities and values, as well as a desire to follow Christ’s teachings and live a life that honors God. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including acts of kindness and compassion, a commitment to justice and social causes, and a willingness to love and forgive others.
Ultimately, the evidence of Christ’s presence in a believer’s life is believed to be demonstrated through a transformed heart and a life that reflects the love and character of Christ.
HOW DO YOU CHANGE THE AREAS IN YOUR LIFE NEEDING TO BE CHANGED?
If you haven’t repented of your sins, this is the greatest change in your life you need to make.
Acts 3:19. Now turn from your sins and turn to God, so you can be cleansed of your sins.
Real and dynamic change occurs when we ask God for a new heart filled with Christ’s love, a new spirit to show us how to live, a new way of thinking, and a new attitude.
Psalm 51:10. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.
Romans 12:2. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.
Ephesians 4:23-24. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness-righteous, holy, and true.
Be patient with yourself as change is often a process.
Colossians 3:10. In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you.
A RESURRECTED 
HEART. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is also important because it validates who Jesus claimed to be, namely, the Son of God and Messiah. According to Jesus, His resurrection was the “sign from heaven” that authenticated His ministry, Matthew 16:1–4. The resurrection of Jesus Christ, attested to by hundreds of eyewitnesses 1 Corinthians 15:3–8, provides irrefutable proof that He is the Savior of the world.
FATHER GOD: Thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross for our sins! Help us always to be reminded of the irrefutable evidence of Your resurrection. Help us also to be reminded that You desire to live in our hearts, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen.
