John 1:14 ESV / 119 helpful votes

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

HelpfulNot Helpful

John 11:35 ESV / 116 helpful votes

Jesus wept.

Hebrews 1:3 ESV / 88 helpful votes

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Isaiah 9:6 ESV / 74 helpful votes

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John 1:1 ESV / 70 helpful votes

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 10:11 ESV / 56 helpful votes

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 6:51 ESV / 56 helpful votes

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

Acts 5:31 ESV / 45 helpful votes

God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.

John 5:30 ESV / 37 helpful votes

“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

Revelation 17:14 ESV / 36 helpful votes

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

Hebrews 2:9 ESV / 36 helpful votes

But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

Revelation 22:13 ESV / 31 helpful votes

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

Revelation 1:5 ESV / 30 helpful votes

And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood

Revelation 5:12 ESV / 25 helpful votes

Saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”

Hebrews 4:15 ESV / 24 helpful votes

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

John 3:16 ESV / 24 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Luke 2:34 ESV / 24 helpful votes

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed

Jeremiah 23:5 ESV / 23 helpful votes

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.

Romans 1:3 ESV / 21 helpful votes

Concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh

Matthew 4:23 ESV / 20 helpful votes

And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.

1 John 4:10 ESV / 19 helpful votes

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Hebrews 4:14 ESV / 19 helpful votes

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Hebrews 12:2 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 10:12 ESV / 18 helpful votes

But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,

Galatians 4:4 ESV / 18 helpful votes

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,

2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV / 18 helpful votes

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

John 10:17 ESV / 18 helpful votes

For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.

John 1:18 ESV / 18 helpful votes

No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

Matthew 26:64 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Revelation 5:5 ESV / 17 helpful votes

And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

Revelation 3:14 ESV / 17 helpful votes

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.

John 16:32 ESV / 17 helpful votes

Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.

1 John 4:14 ESV / 16 helpful votes

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.

Hebrews 1:2 ESV / 16 helpful votes

But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

Acts 26:23 ESV / 16 helpful votes

That the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.”

John 10:18 ESV / 16 helpful votes

No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

John 8:28 ESV / 16 helpful votes

So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.

John 4:34 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.

John 1:2 ESV / 16 helpful votes

He was in the beginning with God.

Matthew 21:5 ESV / 16 helpful votes

“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”

Zechariah 9:9 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Jeremiah 23:6 ESV / 16 helpful votes

In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

Isaiah 40:11 ESV / 16 helpful votes

He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

Isaiah 40:10 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.

Isaiah 8:14 ESV / 16 helpful votes

And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Revelation 19:16 ESV / 15 helpful votes

On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Revelation 1:18 ESV / 15 helpful votes

And the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.

John 14:28 ESV / 15 helpful votes

You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

Matthew 17:23 ESV / 15 helpful votes

And they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed.

Zechariah 13:7 ESV / 15 helpful votes

“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me,” declares the Lord of hosts. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones.

1 John 4:9 ESV / 14 helpful votes

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.

1 Peter 3:18 ESV / 14 helpful votes

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

Ephesians 5:2 ESV / 14 helpful votes

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV / 14 helpful votes

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

1 Corinthians 1:30 ESV / 14 helpful votes

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

Romans 8:3 ESV / 14 helpful votes

For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,

Luke 23:34 ESV / 14 helpful votes

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Daniel 7:13 ESV / 14 helpful votes

“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.

Isaiah 50:6 ESV / 14 helpful votes

I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting.

Genesis 49:10 ESV / 14 helpful votes

The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.

Revelation 3:21 ESV / 13 helpful votes

The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Revelation 3:7 ESV / 13 helpful votes

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.

Hebrews 9:26 ESV / 13 helpful votes

For then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Hebrews 7:25 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 6:20 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 3:2 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house.

Luke 24:26 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”

Luke 22:29 ESV / 13 helpful votes

And I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom,

Luke 2:35 ESV / 13 helpful votes

(and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

Luke 1:32 ESV / 13 helpful votes

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,

Matthew 16:28 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Psalm 2:7 ESV / 13 helpful votes

I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you.

Hebrews 7:16 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.

Hebrews 5:8 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.

Hebrews 2:18 ESV / 12 helpful votes

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Hebrews 2:10 ESV / 12 helpful votes

For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 ESV / 12 helpful votes

And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Colossians 1:15 ESV / 12 helpful votes

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

Romans 14:9 ESV / 12 helpful votes

For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

Romans 4:25 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

John 17:5 ESV / 12 helpful votes

And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

John 17:1-26 ESV / 12 helpful votes

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

John 16:10 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer;

John 14:6 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 12:41 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him.

John 10:30 ESV / 12 helpful votes

I and the Father are one.”

John 10:15 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

John 2:23 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.

John 1:49 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

John 1:29 ESV / 12 helpful votes

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Mark 14:62 ESV / 12 helpful votes

And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

Mark 10:32-34 ESV / 12 helpful votes

And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”

Matthew 28:18 ESV / 12 helpful votes

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Matthew 26:39 ESV / 12 helpful votes

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

Matthew 20:28 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 17:22 ESV / 12 helpful votes

As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men,

Matthew 16:21 ESV / 12 helpful votes

From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.

Matthew 14:14 ESV / 12 helpful votes

When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

John 3:2 ESV / 11 helpful votes

This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

Mark 8:31 ESV / 11 helpful votes

And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again.

The Earthly Life of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the greatest person who every lived. His moral character, His teachings, and His influence upon history demonstrate that He is indeed God. Through two thousand years of advancements in education, technology, philosophy, medicine, and science, mankind has never produced a person who is worthy to be compared with Jesus.

His divinity and humanity are without parallel. His life, death, and resurrection were mandatory for man’s salvation. With His ascension into Heaven, He completed His mission and made possible man’s restoration to his original destiny.

Bible Study: The Entrance of Jesus Christ Into the World

1. On the basis of His statement in John 17:5, where was Jesus Christ before He came into the world?
2. Read Matthew 1:18-23. In your own words, summarize the circumstances that surrounded Jesus’ birth.

The New Testament passes over the next thirty years of Jesus’ life almost in silence. Apparently the Gospel writers were more anxious to portray the character and ministry of Jesus than to give us a chronological biography.

The Character of Jesus

1. From these verses, describe the character of Jesus. ( Luke 23:33-34, John 2:13-17, John 13:1-17, Romans 5:8-1 )
2. How does Jesus’ attitude contrast with the attitude of His contemporaries toward the following? Adults (Matthew14:15-21), Children (Mark 10:13-16), Those who offend (Luke 9:51-56)
3. Why did the following people love Christ? The widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-15), The sinful woman (Luke 7:36-50), Mary and Martha (John 11:30-44).
4. From the beginning of His life, Jesus demonstrated unfailing grace, amazing wisdom, and astounding understanding and knowledge. He consistently pleased God.
5. Read Matthew 7:28-29. What other reactions do you think the people had to His teachings besides amazement?
6. How do you feel about Jesus and why?

The crowds found His compassion constant, and He was humble and meek before His enemies. He treated the poor with respect and the children with love and tenderness. His character was pure, selfless, and sinless.

Jesus also proved His divine character through His immeasurable love, an unconditional love unique in history. He willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice for all sin and evil, and He gave the free gift of everlasting life to every person who would accept it. Only God in the flesh could have embodied all these characteristics.

 Bible Study: Jesus Christ as a teacher

1. What did Christ teach about the new birth? (John 3:1-8)
2. What did Christ teach regarding His claims about Himself? (John 10:11, John 13:13-14, John 15:1-5, Matthew 5:17, John 11:25-26) Which of these claims do you think is most important? Which means the most to you personally? Why?
3. What did Christ teach about His demands of His followers? (Mark 8:38, Mark 10:29-30, Matthew 9:9, Matthew 11:29, Luke 9:23, John 13:34-35)  Which of these demands do you find the easiest to follow; and how do you think Jesus wants you to deal with the difficult ones?
4. Many view Jesus as the greatest teacher in history. No other man has been quoted as often or has inspired as many books and articles. His teachings have given us clear, profound insights into the deepest questions of life. People flocked to hear Him speak. The disciples left everything to follow Him. What kind of teach could inspire such loyalty? (See John 6:66-69 for help in formulating your answer.) From the following verses, list characteristics of Jesus that made Him such an excellent teacher. (Mark 6:34, Luke 21:29-38, Luke 4:14-30, John 3:1-8, 7:50-51, 19:38-42)
5. Carefully read Matthew 7:7-12 from the Sermon on the Mount. How did Jesus use the following teaching methods to emphasize His lessons?
   Repitition of ideas — Practical application — Clear summarization
6. What was even more important than Christ’s effective teaching methods? (Matthew7:29)

Where did He get His authority? (John 12:49-50)

Summarize how Jesus’ earthly life confirmed His deity.

Life Application

1. Give at least three reasons you can trust Jesus’ teachings.
2. List three ways these teachings can change your life.
3. Plan how you will implement these changes.

The Death of Jesus Christ

When did you last talk about death? Did you enjoy your conversation?

People don’t usually like to talk about death, do they? But the Bible has some very important things to say about it.

According to God’s Word, death means “separation,” not “cessation of existence.” Physical death is the separation of the spirit (the immaterial part of us) from the body. As a result, the body decomposes. Spiritual death is the separation of man from God. Both physical and spiritual death are the results of sin.

The results of this separation are not only sins like murder, immorality, and stealing, but also worry, irritability, lack ofpurpose in life, frustration, the desire to escape reality, and fear of death. These and many other conditions are evidence that we are cut off from God, the only One who can give us the power to live an abundant life.

The most important question in life becomes, “How can I be reconciled to God?” In our own power, we can never bridge the gulf between us and God. But God has provided a way to bring us to Him.

The Need for the Death of Jesus Christ

1. Carefully read Romans 3:10-12, and 3:23. How many times does the writer, Paul, use terms like, all, none, or their equivalents?Why do you think He repeated these terms?What does this tell you about moral, respectable people?
2. What is the result of sin? (Romans 6:23)

The Result of the Death of Jesus Christ

1. Read II Corinthians 5:21 carefully. How good does it say Christ was?But what happened to Him when He died on the cross to pay the penalty of our sins? What was the result for you?
2. What did Christ teach concerning His death? (Mark 8:31-32)
3. How did Christ feel about such a death? (Hebrews 12:2)
4. Describe the effect of Christ’s death with respect to God’s holiness. (Romans 3:25, John 4:10)
5. Why did He die for us? (1 Peter 3:18)
6. How did Christ’s death affect your relationship with God? (Colossians 1:21-22, Romans 5:10-11)

Significance of the death of Christ

1. What is the only thing we can do to make sure that the death of Christ applies to us so we can be saved (Acts 16:31)?
2. Can we work for salvation (Ephesians 2:8,9)? Why not?

Life Application

1. Read John 3:18 carefully. What two kinds of people are described here?
2. What is the only reason any person will be condemned?
3. According to what the Bible says here, are you condemned?
4. According to I John 5:11-12, do you have eternal life? (Do not confuse I John, the Epistle, near the end of the New Testament, with the Gospel of John.)
5. According to that same passage, how can you know?
6. Have you made the decision to accept Christ’s death on the cross for you, and have you received Him into your life as Savior and Lord?  If you would like to receive Him as your Savior right now, pray a prayer like this one from your heart:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank you fo forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. Amen.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Jesus’ crucifixion demoralized His followers. The terrorstricken little band scattered; Jesus’ enemies were celebrating their victory. But three days after the crucifixion a miracle occurred: Jesus rose from the dead.

Within a few weeks His once cowardly followers were fearlessly proclaiming His resurrection, a fact that changed the course of history. Followers of Jesus Christ were not people who promoted an ethical code of a dead founder, rather, those who had vital contact with a living Lord. Jesus Christ still lives today, and He is anxiously waiting to work in the lives of those who will trust Him.

The new life and fresh courage demonstrated by the early Christians is vividly described by J.B. Phillips in the Preface to his Letters to Young Churches:

The great difference between present-day Christianity and that of which we read in these letters is that to us it is primarily a performance; to them it was a real experience. We are apt to reduce the Christian religion to a code, or at best a rule of heart and life. To these men it is quite plainly the invasion of their lives by a newquality of life altogether. They do not hesitate to describe this as Christ “living in” them.

Mere moral reformation will hardly explain the transformation and the exuberant vitality of these men’s lives — even if we could prove a motive for such reformation, and certainly the world around offered little encouragement to the early Christians! We are practically driven to accept their own explanation, which is that their little human lives had, through Christ, been linked up with the very life of God.

Many Christians today talk about the “difficulties of our times” as though we should have to wait for better ones before the Christian religion can take root. It is heartening to remember that this faith took root and flourished amazingly in conditions that would have killed anything less vital in a matter of weeks.

These early Christians were on fire with the conviction that they had become, through Christ, literal sons of God; they were pioneers of a new humanity, founders of a new kingdom.

They still speak to us across the centuries. Perhaps if we believed what they believed, we might achieve what they achieved.

Five Proofs that Jesus actually rose from the dead.

1. The resurrection was foretold by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. What did Jesus tell His disciples in Luke 18:31-33?If Jesus had clearly predicted that He would rise from the dead, then failed to do so, what would this say about Him?
2. The resurrection of Christ is the only reasonable explanation for the empty tomb. What did Jesus’ friends do to make certain His body would not be taken? (Mark 15:46)What did Jesus’ enemies do to make sure His body would not be taken? (Matthew 27:62-66)But on Sunday morning the tomb was empty!
   Note: If Jesus had not been killed, but only weakened and wounded by crucifixion, the stone and the soldiers would have prevented His escape from the tomb. If Jesus’ friends had tried to steal His body, the stone and the soldiers would likewise have prevented them. Jesus’ enemies would never have taken the body since its absence from the tomb would only serve to encourage belief in His resurrection. Only His resurrection can account for the empty tomb!
3. The resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for the appearance of Jesus Christ to His disciples. List all the individuals or groups who actually saw the risen Christ, according to I Corinthians 15:4-8.If Christ has not risen from the dead, what could we then conclude about all these witnesses? (I Corinthians 15:15)What else would be true if Christ had not risen from the dead? (I Corinthians 15:17)When Christ appeared to His followers, what things did He do to prove He was not a hallucination? (Luke 24:36-43)
4. The dramatic changes in the lives of His followers. Look up these verses and describe the differences in these people:
   Peter (Luke 22:54-62; Acts 4:1-22)
   Thomas (John 20:24-28, Acts 1:12-14)
   Paul (Acts 7:54-8:3, Acts 16:16-40)
5. The resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for the beginning of the Christian church. Within a few weeks after Jesus’ resurrection, Peter preached at Pentecost, and the Christian church began. What was the subject of his sermon? (Acts 2:14-36)

If the body of Jesus were still in the tomb, how do you think Peter’s audience would have responded to this sermon? But how did they respond? (Acts 2:37-42)

The Results of the Resurrection.

1. What does the resurrection tell us about the following:Jesus Christ (Romans 1:4)
   The power God can exercise in our lives. (Ephesians 1:19-20)
   What will eventually happen to our bodies. (Philippians 3:21)
2. How would your life be affected if Christ had not risen from the dead? (I Corinthians 15:12-26)
3. If we can believe the resurrection, why is it then logical to believe all the miracles Jesus performed?

The visible return of Christ.

1. Describe the way in which Christ will return to Earth. (Matthew 24:30, Acts 1:11)
2. How does this compare to the first time Christ came to Earth?
3. What will happen to the Christian when Christ comes for him? (I Corinthians 15:51-52, Philippians 3:20-21)
4. What will be the condition of the Earth when Christ returns? (Matthew 24:6-8)
5. What will happen to those who are not Christians when He returns? (II Thessalonians 1:7-9)
6. What is our present hope? (I John 2:2-3)

Life Application

Hebrews 13:8 says Jesus is the same today, and He can transform your life.

1. How would your life be different from what it is if Jesus had not risen from the dead?
2. How do you think His “resurrection life” can be seen in you on a daily basis?
3. How can your life be different if you allow Jesus to transform it?

Jesus Christ Living in the Christian

Are you a member of a church? Are you committed and active in your church? Do you have a close relationship with Jesus Christ?

Chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation emphasize the fact that merely to be a church member offers no guarantee of a right relationship with Jesus Christ. Notice in Revelation 3:20 that the reference is to individuals, not to a group as a whole: “If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in and eat with him, and he with Me.”

When you invite Jesus Christ to come into your heart and life to be your Savior and Lord, confessing your sin and need for forgiveness, He answers your prayer. He enters your heart and life. Why?

One reason is so He can empower you. The Christian life is more than difficult; it is humanly impossible to live. Only Jesus Christ can live it through you as He dwells within you. he wants to think with your mind, express Himself through your emotions, and speak through your voice, though you may be unconscious of it.

But as worldly Christians examine their lives, they often find themselves filled with many areas of activity — studies, finances, social life, home life, business, travel — with no real purpose or meaning. The reason for this is that they are controlling these areas themselves instead of allowing Jesus Christ to control them.

There is a throne in each of our lives. Until Jesus Christ comes into our lives, our self, or ego, is on the throne. But when Jesus comes in, He wants to assume His place of authority on His throne. We must step down and relinquish the authority of our lives to Him. As you can see from the diagram below, when Christ becomes the controller of our lives, He becomes Lord of every activity, and that results in purpose and harmony.

Thus the Christian life is not a person trying to imitate Christ; rather, it is Christ imparting His life to and living His life through the person. The Christian life is not what you do for Him; it is what He does for and through you. The Christ-controlled life always produces the fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 5:22-23.

The need for Jesus to live in the Christian.

1. What was Jesus unwilling to entrust to men? (John 2:24-25)
2. What kinds of things are in our hearts? (Mark 7:21-23)
3. How did the Apostle Paul, one of the world’s greatest Christians, evaluate his human nature? (Romans 7:18)
4. What is our condition apart from Jesus Christ? (John 15:4-5)

The fact that Jesus Christ lives in the Christian.

1. Restate Revelation 3:20 in your own words.
2. What guarantee does Jesus Christ give in this verse, and how can we believe Him?
3. How do you know that Jesus Christ has entered your life?
4. How do you know that Jesus will never leave you even when you sin? (Hebrews 13:5)
5. If you do sin, how can you renew your fellowship with Him? (I John 1:9)See diagram.

Note: Salvation differs from fellowship. Salvation is having our sins forgiven and receiving eternal life. Fellowship is our daily relationship, or communion, with Christ. Through sin we may often lose our fellowship in the same way a child loses fellowship with his father through disobedience. However, the child does not lose his relationship as a son, nor do we lose our relationship with God. He is still our heavenly Father. (See John 10:27-29)

Jesus Christ at Home within the Christian.

When Jesus Christ lives within us, what can He do for us as we face the following problems?

1. Emptiness (John 6:35)
2. Anxiety (John 14:27)
3. Unhappiness (John 15:11)
4. Lack of power (Philippians 4:13)

Life Application

1. What must we do so that Jesus Christ can live His victorious life through us? (Romans 6:13, & 12:1-2)
2. Read and meditate on John 3:16. On the basis of this verse, why do you think we should give control of our lives to God?
3. Right now, surrender control of your life to God. Be willing to give Him every area — your family, job, finances, even your health. Pray this simple prayer.

Dear Father, I need you. I acknowledge that I have been directing my own life and that, as a result, I have sinned against You. I thank You for forgiving my sins through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled in Ephesians 5:18, and as You promised in Your word that you would do if I ask in faith. I now thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit. Amen.