GBC Community Update: Who’s Got the Body? …looking at the evidences for Jesus’ resurrection.

Good morning!  It was great to share Easter together. I know many had their plans changed by the new government order but it was still nice to gather and worship our risen savior.  Easter is never cancelled!
I spoke on Sunday about the evidence for the resurrection and I’m going to continue on with that in my thought for the day. It’ll take on a bit of an apologetics feel but I think will still be an encouragement and strengthening of all our faith.
 
 
Youth@GBC Surge returns!
Our youth service and community outreach project known as “SURGE” is returning this Sunday.  While more details are coming out to the youth and parents (don’t worry, you haven’t missed anything!) I wanted to share this with all of you to let you know about ministry going on within the GBC family and ask that you pray for the youth and leaders as they let the light of Jesus shine within our community. This month they’ll be doing a park clean up.
 
 
Join us in Prayer
On Wednesday afternoons at 3pm a small group of people gather here at GBC for prayer. We’re focusing on the themes in the 40 Days of Prayer for March. Feel free to join us!
 
 
Thought for the Day:  Who’s Got the Body? 
                                     …an examination of evidences for Jesus’ resurrection.
I referenced this a bit at the beginning of my message on Easter Sunday, about the proof for the resurrection of Jesus.  I’d like to go a bit more in depth on this topic.
Why is this important?  It makes all the difference in the world. If Christ did not rise, then thousands of Christians have lived and died for a hoax.  You may say, ‘but Chris, I believe’. Great!  But lots of others don’t. So, as we seek to let our light shine, and engage with the world around us with the Good News of life in Jesus, I’d like to share more evidence for the resurrection.  This is very important in the days we’re in since if He did rise, then He is still alive and can act now to straighten out our chaotic world.
Let’s take a look.
 
Facts always speak louder than opinions. Let’s take a look at some of the historical evidence for the resurrection and see where the facts lead.
 
One preliminary consideration: countless scholars–among them, the apostle Paul,  Augustine, Sir Isaac Newton and C. S. Lewis–believed in the resurrection. We need not fear committing intellectual suicide by accepting it as well since we’re in great company.
Paul wrote in 1st Corinthians that “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, He was raised on the third day. He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now.” 
I mentioned Sunday how that was written 20 years after the event so could have been researched and refuted then, yet it wasn’t.  That’s what we’d call contemporary historical evidence.
 
Speaking of evidence, consider this: the explosive growth of the Christian church
Within a few weeks after the crucifixion a movement arose which, by the later admission of its enemies, “upset the world.” Something happened to ignite this movement a very short time after its leader had been executed and its been going ever since. Things like that don’t happen, and more importantly last, without a lasting, tangible stimulus. I’ll look at this further on Thursday.  Until then, we can be confident that what we believe on faith has a solid foundation in fact and history. I hope that’s an encouragement to you today.
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris