Witnesses to the Resurrection of Christ
Of the many people that witnessed Jesus Christ in His resurrected body, only a handful of specific people are named. Each appearance was purposeful, even though some incidents are recorded without details. For the events that are recorded, the Scriptures reveal specifics that are both intriguing and inspiring. When each Gospel narrative is read carefully, and all the details are put together, the big picture becomes quite clear.
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Colossians 1 Proves the Preeminence of Christ
The evidence for the life, the death and the resurrection of Christ is better authenticated than most of the facts of ancient history. (E. M. Blaiklock, Professor of Classics at Auckland University)
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New Testament Angels Include a Select Few
Since the spiritual condition of humankind hinged on the life and ministry of Jesus, God took great care in announcing through an angel the birth of John the Baptist, the one who would prepare the way for Jesus' ministry.
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Where Is He?
Only a few wise men recognized the heavenly announcement of His birth, and traveled far to see with their own eyes the one who would be the King of kings.
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The Transfiguration of Jesus with Peter, James and John
The transfiguration of Jesus in the presence of Peter, James and John is a unique and intriguing event, recorded in three of the four Gospels. It followed Jesus' first announcement to the disciples that he would go to Jerusalem, be killed, but rise from the dead on the third day.
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Pride Sent Lucifer from Heaven to Earth
Lucifer was one of three archangels mentioned in Scripture. He was created by God as all angels were, but his role was different from the other angelic hosts. Lucifer was referred to as the 'covering angel.' Just as the cherubim covered the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant, Lucifer was established by God to be the angel of worship, one whose ministry surrounded the heart of heaven. Lucifer was created to dwell eternally in the throne room of heaven, in the very presence of God (Ezekiel 28:14).
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Crown of Thorns in the Passion of Christ
As a last act of humiliation against Jesus, the Roman officers twisted a crown of thorns and placed it on his head. Taking up the reed they had given him as a mock scepter, they repeatedly struck Jesus in the head with it. Then they bowed in mockery to the King of the Jews, and led him away to be crucified.
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Israel Rejects the Messiah
The fig tree had foliage and looked good from a distance, but would never bear fruit. Israel had lots of outward religion, but lacked the genuine inner faith. The fig tree represented Israel, fruitless and cursed for rejecting their Messiah.
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Jesus Appears to Women Following His Resurrection
Through Jesus, women mentioned in the Bible following the resurrection had been touched by the heart and hand of God. These followers of Jesus dedicated their lives to service ... preparing meals, washing Jesus' feet, providing money and giving their time.
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The Book of Jude Exposes False Teachers within the Church
It was important for the believers to stay in close fellowship with those who taught the truth given by the Apostles, to avoid being led astray by the craftiness of false teachers. It was also the spiritual responsibility of believers to discern between truth and deception, to avoid false doctrines and even apostasy.
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