GBC Community Update: Who's got the body? Part 3

Good afternoon! Every Sunday afternoon I check the comments in the chat from our livestream and like to see how many of you are not just watching but starting to engage. I’m so thankful for this vehicle of ministry. I also noticed a new person had connected as well so we continue to see broader engagement from the community. I’d encourage you to pray for those who tune in who don’t know Jesus or don’t know us that God would use this to further His kingdom.
I’m finishing my thoughts for today on the evidence for the resurrection but will be looking Thursday at the power of the resurrection. I hope it continues to be a challenge and encouragement for you.
 
 
Levi Tamminga Baby Celebration Moved
Due to the current regulations, we’re pushing back the celebration for Levi Tamminga.  The new date is Sunday May 16 and will be held after the 11am service.  More details will come as we get closer.
 
 
GBC Prayer Gathering Has Moved too!
GBC Prayer has MOVED! Going forward, the GBC Prayer Group will meet in the side auditorium on TUESDAY AFTERNOONS at 3:30pm. We continue to pray as prompted by God’s Word, intercede for our church family and city, and enjoy the encouragement of God’s presence. Please join us!
 
 
Thought for the Day:  Who’s Got the Body? Part 3
                                     …an examination of evidences for Jesus’ resurrection.
Last week we spent some time looking at the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection. As a reminder, things like this are used to strengthen our faith and answer questions that may arise.  So here’s the last one, and perhaps the most powerful:
The Appearances of the Risen Christ
For 40 days after His death, Jesus was reported to be seen alive on earth. It was reported in the scriptures and also in extra-biblical sources like Josephus who I mentioned in my Easter message.
How do we explain this?
Some say these were hallucinations, but do the accounts show that?  Only certain high-strung and imaginative types of people usually have such psychic experiences. Yet a woman, a tax collector, several fishermen and more than 500 people at one time claimed they saw Him. Hallucinations are very individualistic–contrasting with the fact that over 500 people saw the same thing at the same time and place.
Two other facts undermine the hallucination idea. Such imaginations are usually of expected events, yet the disciples had lost hope after the crucifixion. Also, psychic phenomena usually occur in cycles, but the appearances came in no set pattern.
Attempts to explain away the appearances run into a brick wall of facts. The facts point to one conclusion: Jesus is risen.
Of course, the above is not exhaustive proof, but rather a reasoned examination of the evidence. For us now, we must each consider and evaluate the evidence ourselves to determine the truth of the resurrection claim. If the facts support the claim, then we can conclude that He arose. In any case, a mere intellectual assent to the facts does nothing for one’s life, we need to do something with it.  So yes, we take this on faith but its also supported by facts. I believe this, do you?
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris