EMPTY TOMB OR EMPTY FAITH

Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42

  I .  Precautions were taken to insure that Christ would not arise from the dead.

      A.  We are guaranteed that Jesus was actually dead.

           1.  His executioner declared Him dead.  Mark 15:39

           2.  The executioner's boss agreed that Jesus was dead.  Mark 15:45

           3.  Scourging, loss of blood, shock and crucifiction guaranteed His death.

      B.  He was buried in a solid rock tomb.  John 19:41

            1.  It was a new tomb.

            2.  No one could dig into the tomb.

      C.  Giving Jesus a Jewish burial confirmed His death.  Mark 15

            1.  His body was washed.

            2.  It was wrapped in linen strips.

            3.  It was wrapped with 75 pounds of spices which acted like cement.

      D.  The entrance to the tomb was covered with a large stone.  Matthew 27:60

            1.  One large stone covered the 4-5 foot hole.

            2.  It weighed about 1-2 tons.

       E.  Roman guards were posted at the tomb.  Matthew 27:62

            1.  There were four guards per shift.

            2.  Both the Romans and the Jews wanted to keep Jesus in the tomb.

       F.  The tomb was sealed and breaking the seal meant death.  Matthew 27:66

  II . What could have happened to Jesus' body?

      A.  There is no debate even with unbelievers that Jesus' body was not in the tomb.

      B.  His enemies could have stolen the body but they would have produced it

           later in Acts 2.

      C.  His friends could have stolen Jesus' body.

           1.  This was unlikely because of all the Romman precautions.

           2.  If His friends had stolen His body, He would not have died for a hoax.

           3.  God raised Jesus from the dead.

           4.  Jesus went to preach to the devils in Hades to show them His total

                victory.  I Peter 3:18-22

III. Take Homes

      A.  The resurrection is one event on which our faith depends.  II Timothy 2:8

       B.  We believe by faith based on prophesy, impracticality of any other logical

            explanation, and faith that the God who created the laws of nature could

            choose to defy them with miracles.

      C.  We must realize that in baptism our sinful self dies, is buried and rises to

           walk a new life.  I Peter 3:18-22, Romans 6:4-6

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COMING EVENTS

Please be back tonight at 6 PM for our evening Worship, Brother Ron George will be speaking.

W ednesday B ible Study A t 7:00 pm. We will be continuing a study of the Book of Acts. You don't want to miss this series.

Sunday, April 15 , Potluck will be the 3rd Sunday this month only.

Saturday, April 21 . 3rd Saturday Singing, Palomar Church of Christ ,
San Marcos .

Saturday, April 28 , 4th Saturday Workday, 9 AM –12PM.