{"id":3645,"date":"2024-06-04T22:12:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-04T22:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gchristopherscruggs.com\/?p=3645"},"modified":"2024-06-04T22:12:00","modified_gmt":"2024-06-04T22:12:00","slug":"acts-13-13-together-with-the-risen-jesus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gchristopherscruggs.com\/?p=3645","title":{"rendered":"Acts 1:3-13: Together with the Risen Jesus"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cAfter his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive\u201d (Acts 1:3)\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Some years ago, the Memphis Commercial Appeal ran a story titled \u201cMost of Us Don\u2019t Expect Resurrection of the Body.\u201d The article began by disclosing that while most Americans identify themselves as Christians, those who identify themselves as Christians don\u2019t necessarily believe in the resurrection. However, the church has always believed in this doctrine, and it is found in every orthodox creed. Every Sunday, all over the world Christians meet together and affirm their faith in the resurrection.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 There are many good books in which the authors defend the Christian faith and the resurrection. To name a few, C. S. Lewis wrote a book titled Miracles<\/u> defending the resurrection. [1]<\/a> Josh McDowell compiled a book entitled, Evidence that Demands a Verdict<\/u>. [2]<\/a>\u00a0 The physicist and theologian John Polkinghorne wrote The Faith of a Physicist,<\/em> in which he makes a scientist\u2019s defense of the resurrection.\u00a0[3]<\/a> Lee Strobel, in his book, The Case for Christ,<\/u> gives a reporter\u2019s defense of the resurrection. [4]<\/a> It is fundamental to Christian theology and Christian faith that the resurrection of Jesus was God\u2019s vindication of his sinless life – proof of his victory over sin and death. Each time we say the Apostles or Nicene Creed, we affirm our belief that Christ rose from the dead, and that we too will be resurrected in the last day. [5]<\/a><\/p>\n

The Argument from Changed Lives. <\/strong><\/p>\n

The resurrection is important. You see, Christ\u2019s victory<\/u> over sin and death, the resurrection, is also proof of our victory<\/u> over sin and death. It is because of the resurrection that we Christians can live confidently amid danger and adversity. It is because of the resurrection that we can have hope amid trials. It is because of the resurrection that we can proclaim with the apostle Paul, \u201cNothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus!<\/strong>\u201d (Romans 8:38).<\/p>\n

There are many arguments for the resurrection. My favorite is this: The most significant argument for the truth of the resurrection is the changed lives of the disciples who formed the church, left their homes, and went to the ends of the world – and their graves – proclaiming the risen Christ.<\/em> Formerly afraid and hiding, they were now willing to face great opposition resulting from their claim that Jesus was alive.<\/p>\n

In this blog, I do not intend to regurgitate the arguments others have made. Instead, I want to discuss a practical question, \u201cHow can we experience the power of the new life of the resurrected Christ in our lives?\u201d<\/p>\n

Better Together with the Risen Jesus<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dr. Luke begins the second volume of his biography of Jesus and the history of the early church with a brief review of the final days before Jesus\u2019 ascension into heaven. Earlier, in Luke<\/u>, Paul described the betrayal by Judas (Luke 22:47-48), the denial of Peter (Luke 22:54-62), the death of Jesus (Luke 23:44-46), and the flight of the other disciples. Luke then narrates the events surrounding the resurrection \u2013 the angels\u2019 appearance to the women in the Garden, Jesus\u2019 appearance to the two disciples on the Road to Damascus, and the Twelve in the Upper Room. Luke describes Jesus\u2019 telling them that they were to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth (Luke 24:44-49). Finally, he describes Jesus\u2019 ascension into heaven and the disciples’ return to Jerusalem (Luke 24:53).<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In the first chapter of Acts<\/u>, Luke again recounts a story of the resurrection. He takes time out to reinforce in readers’ minds the fact of the resurrection. [6]<\/a> Jesus, we are told, appeared to the disciples on many occasions after the resurrection. In First Corinthians, Paul gives a summary of these appearances, saying that Jesus appeared to Peter, then to the Twelve, then to more than five hundred people at the same time, then to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to Paul (see, 1 Corinthians 15:5-8). [7]<\/a> In just a few weeks, the disciples, who were discouraged, despairing, and disbursed, came together and boldly proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah and had risen from the dead.<\/p>\n

From Despair to Courage<\/strong><\/p>\n

The disciples went from being a scattered, dispirited, discouraged group of former followers of Jesus of Nazareth to being filled with the Holy Spirit. They became a \u201cBand of Brothers\u201d whose exploits the world will never forget. [8]<\/a>They were ready to face anyone or anything in the name of Jesus. Where there was danger, they possessed courage. Where there was persecution, they possessed fortitude. Where there was opposition, they possessed endurance. Faced with death, they had faith in God and hope for eternal life.<\/p>\n

Isn\u2019t this what we desire for our lives? Don\u2019t we wish we could live free of petty fears and petty desires? Don\u2019t we wish we were free to share the love of God with others as Jesus could and did? This morning, I want to highlight three ways we can experience the power of the resurrection in our lives.<\/p>\n

Wait for the Holy Spirit<\/strong><\/p>\n

The first thing we must do is to wait for the Holy Spirit. We can imagine that, after they became convinced of the resurrection, the disciples were anxious to begin the business of proclaiming the rule of Christ. Luke gives us some inkling of this when he recounts that the disciples asked Jesus, \u201cIs now the time when you will restore the Kingdom of Israel?<\/strong>\u201d(Acts 1:6). In other words the disciples were saying, \u201cNow that you have returned, can we get started defeating your enemies?\u201d<\/p>\n

The fact is, we Christians don\u2019t always understand what God is doing or when and how God intends to do it. We can be overly anxious to get along with the plan before God has fully revealed to us what the plan is, much less what he wants us to do and how he wants us to do it. We can have difficulty waiting.<\/p>\n

Many of you know that I am impatient. Once I\u2019ve figured out that there is a problem, I am ready to start solving it, sometimes before God is ready. I\u2019ve noticed that God often reveals some of his plan to me, but not enough for me to get started. I have to wait on God. God likes to teach us patience by asking us to wait. We learn to wait for Jesus to send his Spirit of Wisdom, Love, and Power before we act.<\/p>\n

The Power of Meeting Together<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

As Christians, we need to learn to wait on God, but waiting does not mean doing nothing. There was plenty to do during the days and weeks between the resurrection and the promise of the Holy Spirit and its arrival. Our text tells us that Jesus continued to appear to them and to teach them, giving them instruction concerning the meaning of his life, death, and resurrection. Jesus taught, and the disciples listened and asked questions, such as \u201cIs now the time when you will restore the Kingdom of Israel?<\/strong>\u201d (Acts 1:6). [9]<\/a> As we wait for Jesus to empower us in some area, we can still do a lot. We can gather together for worship. We can study our Bibles, attend church, do small group Bible studies, and volunteer in some ministry. We can grow in our understanding of God, of God\u2019s ways, and of God\u2019s call on our lives. While we wait, we can grow closer to Christ and his people.<\/p>\n

Some years ago, my former church participated in 40 Days of Community in small groups. Each person experienced a simple daily Bible study, a time of sharing in a group, perhaps a discipleship group or Sunday school class. Each had the opportunity to engage in one of several small service projects. In other words, we had the opportunity to grow together as disciples and work together as Christians. It was life-changing for many people.<\/p>\n

Most of the Christian life is spent between tremendous spiritual experiences. Most of the time, we aren\u2019t on the mountain top. We are slogging through the jungle of everyday life, trying to make ends meet, raising children, taking care of other human beings, watching over parents growing old – just trying to show a little of God\u2019s love to those around us. If we are wise, during these ordinary times, we will be a part of some kind of small group of Christians as we share our lives and our faith in small but life-transforming ways.<\/p>\n

Pray for the Presence of God<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The most important thing we can do when we meet is pray. Our text tells us that after Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples gathered together in the Upper Room and prayed. It says, \u201cThey all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers\u201d (Acts 1:14). I want to mention two things about this verse.<\/p>\n

First<\/u>, if we desire to live Spirit-empowered lives, we must pray constantly.<\/p>\n

Second<\/u>, not only do we need to be in continual prayer, but we need to be constantly praying in unison with others. We need to meet with other Christians occasionally to pray together. If we want to see the power of God in our marriages, we need to pray as couples. If we’re going to see the power of God in our families, we need to pray in our families. If we want to see God at work in our ministry, like the choir or the band, we need to pray together as a choir or a band. If we want to see God at work in our congregation, we need to pray as a congregation.<\/p>\n

Over and over again, I\u2019ve seen the truth that prayer is the key to unlocking and releasing God’s power into a situation. Sometimes, that prayer is one of confession. Sometimes, it is a renewed prayer of intercession. Sometimes, it is a prayer of thanksgiving. Sometimes, it is a prayer of desperation. Whatever the circumstance, prayer is the key to unlocking God’s power.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve also noticed that God often waits until we are willing to be just a little desperate in our prayers. God does not want pro forma prayers. He wants prayers of the heart. I think God listens more to our hearts than to our words. He is often waiting for our hearts to align with his will. I wish I had a story to illustrate this, but the truth is that most of the stories I could tell are so private that I can\u2019t share them. Nevertheless, I have seen the power of God to unlock the solution to problems that, humanly speaking, were impossible to solve.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 What does the resurrection mean? Oswald Chambers, in his daily devotional, My Utmost for His Highest<\/u> says this about the meaning of the resurrection, \u201cWhen our Lord rose from the dead, he rose to an absolutely new life … And what his resurrection means for us is that we are raised to his Risen Life, not to our old life.\u201d [10]<\/a> The resurrection means new life \u2013 a different kind and quality of life. The resurrection means we can live the kind of God-filled life that Jesus lived.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Most of us spend our lives isolated and burdened by old hurts, unresolved guilt, shame, bad habits, and the like. The resurrection is God\u2019s promise that we don\u2019t have to live as we always have. We are not predetermined by our biology, or by our family, or by our past. We can experience a new kind of life, even if we have to live with some of the consequences of the past. I love the contemporary a song \u201cChrist Alone\u201d. One of the verses goes like this:<\/p>\n

No guilt in life, no fear in death<\/strong>
\nThis is the power of Christ in me.<\/strong>
\nFrom life\u2019s first cry to final breath<\/strong>
\nJesus commands my destiny<\/strong>
\nNo power of hell, no scheme of man<\/strong>
\nCan ever pluck me from his hand<\/strong>
\n\u2018til he returns and calls me home<\/strong>
\nHere in the power of Christ I stand<\/strong>. [11]<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This is the promise – Guilt about our past does not have to determine our lives. Fear of the future does not have to drive us. This means, especially, that fear of death – that fear which drives so much of human life, is gone. [12]<\/a> To live in the power of the resurrection is to be free of that fear, and from any other fear, for we know nothing can separate us from the love of God.<\/p>\n

Therefore, we need not fear others. Freedom from guilt means freedom from shame \u2013 shame that separates me from God and others. The resurrection means we are free to live joyfully as part of the Community of the Spirit – Christ\u2019s church.<\/p>\n

Copyright 2024, G. Christopher Scruggs, All Rights Reserved<\/strong><\/p>\n

[1]<\/a> C. S. Lewis, Miracles<\/u> (New York: McMillan, 1947). See also, Mere Christianity<\/u> (London: Fontana Books, 1952).<\/p>\n

[2]<\/a> Josh McDowell, Evidence that Demands a Verdict<\/u>. Colorado Springs CO: Campus Crusade for Christ, 1972).<\/p>\n

[3]<\/a> John Polkinghorne, The Faith of a Physicist<\/u> (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1996). These are his Gifford Lectures in the form of a book.<\/p>\n

[4]<\/a> Lee Strobel, The Case for Christ: A Journalist\u2019s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus<\/u> (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998).<\/p>\n

[5]<\/a> I mention the Nicene Creed (325 AD) because it is the universal creed accepted by Eastern and Western Christians. It is one of the official creeds of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). In the Nicene Creed, as in all orthodox creeds, it is affirmed that Christ was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures and that we, too, will be raised on the last day.<\/p>\n

[6]<\/a> See, William Barclay, The Acts of the Apostles<\/u> 2nd<\/sup> ed. (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1955).<\/p>\n

[7]<\/a> Although there are differences among the Gospels concerning the details of the resurrection, they are united in a general pattern: the women first discovered the empty tomb, then Peter and perhaps John or the two on the road to Emmaus saw the Risen Christ, then the remainder of the disciples. Paul adds that there were appearances to many disciples and, last of all, to Paul (I Corinthians 15:3-8).<\/p>\n

[8]<\/a> See, William Shakespeare, \u201cKing Henry V Act IV. Scene III in The Collected Works of William Shakespeare<\/u> (New York: Garden City Books), 581: \u201cWe few, we happy few, we band of brothers<\/u>; For he today that sheds his blood with me\/ Shall be my brother, be he e\u2019re so vile.\/ This day shall gentle his condition:\/ And gentlemen in England now abed\/ Shall think themselves cursed they were not here\u2026.\u201d (Emphasis Added).<\/p>\n

[9]<\/a> Jesus\u2019 answer was a polite \u201cNo,\u201d as he reminded them that no one knows the day or the hour of Christ’s final return (see Acts 1:6ff).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[10]<\/a> Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest<\/u>. (Grand Rapids: Discovery House Press, 1992), selection for April 8.<\/p>\n

[11]<\/a> This version of \u201cChrist Alone\u201d was recorded by Newsboys<\/u> in their 2003 album, \u201cAdoration\u201d.<\/p>\n

[12]<\/a> William Willimon, \u201cActs\u201d in Interpretation: A Biblical Commentary for Teaching and Preaching<\/u> (Louisville: John Knox, 1988), 19-20.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cAfter his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive\u201d (Acts 1:3) \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Some years ago, the Memphis Commercial Appeal ran a story titled \u201cMost of Us Don\u2019t Expect Resurrection of the Body.\u201d The article began by disclosing that while most Americans identify themselves as Christians, those … Continue reading Acts 1:3-13: Together with the Risen Jesus<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3645","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4CzBH-WN","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gchristopherscruggs.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3645","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gchristopherscruggs.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gchristopherscruggs.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gchristopherscruggs.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gchristopherscruggs.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3645"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/gchristopherscruggs.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3645\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3648,"href":"https:\/\/gchristopherscruggs.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3645\/revisions\/3648"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gchristopherscruggs.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3645"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gchristopherscruggs.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3645"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gchristopherscruggs.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3645"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}