Being a Christian: is not about- signs, miracles, good deeds, speaking in tongues; nor casting demons or “expanding our territory.” It is about- JESUS- the Savior who endured the cross & died brutally, rising again on the third day.
Mat. 16.1-4 signs were wanted; counterfeits were offered. Jesus calls it wicked. We are not to seek God for signs or selfishness. (falling down, goose bumps, prosperity)
Heb. 12.2 Jesus embraced the cross: the shame, suffering and separation for us (thus we remember on Good Friday). “"The Passion"” was His passion- His life for ours.
John 11.25-26a Christ is risen! (early Christian greeting answered by "Christ is risen indeed!") He stole victory from death and the grave (I Cor. 15.54-55) and Christians will share in that resurrection.
Call to Commitment-
KEY VERSE:
“A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” (Mat. 16.4 NETB)
Sign of Jonah: three days before the resurrection (Jonah foreshadowed Jesus three days in the grave and rising on the third day)
Do you want Jesus or entertainment?
He sacrificed Himself for the sin of those who would believe.
Do you or will you share in His resurrection?
Scriptures:
Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12.2 NETB)
I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even if he dies, and the one who lives and believes in me will never die. (John 11.25-26a NETB)
Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
“Where, O grave, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?” (I Corinthians 15.54-55 NETB)
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