Isaiah 59:21 English Standard Version (ESV)

²¹ “And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring,” says the Lord, “from this time forth and forevermore.”

It has been nearly 2000 years since our Lord rose from the grave. While there are written accounts from a variety of sources speaking to the events of that day, nothing beats an eye witness. I understand that all the first century Christians are long gone but a witness remains alive today. This verse from Isaiah speaks to the long line of believers that share with others that which abides in us all.

We each had an encounter with God which is personal and real. It is our truth about the God that has saved us in this present time. Was your encounter dramatic? Was it subtle? Was it personal in a way that leaves no doubt? Did you change? Did people notice? Do you praise God for the change?

We should formalize our thoughts about our first encounter. It is our witness about the goodness and mercy of God. Others in need of our Savior just might relate to what we went through. At least they will have something to ponder when their time comes.

First we must establish some creditability with those people. Stories become more creditable from a trusted resource. Some level of trust on a human level needs to be established. Nothing does that better than to show an earnest interest and a consistent behavior.

“Let me get back to you!”

If you have not gotten back to them in five years, how creditable is your word? Actions speak louder than words.

Matthew 22:23 English Standard Version (ESV) The same day Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection, and they asked him a question,

Let us begin with the fact that there was a disagreement between the Socialites and the religious leaders at the time of Jesus’ ministry to Jews. The Sadducees were the social class of the temple and as such held their own theologies differing from the religious leaders. Looking forward some 2000 years we find that social theology has not differed all that much. It is still a hotbed issue. Just how important is it to our Christian theology?

1 Corinthians 15:12-13, 17-19 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹² Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? ¹³ But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.

¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. ¹⁸ Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. ¹⁹ If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

Mark 16:6 English Standard Version (ESV) And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.”

During those early days there were witnesses who saw the tomb empty and some who got to see Him personally. And that was not the only sign of the power of resurrection.

Matthew 27:51-53 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁵¹ And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. ⁵² The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, ⁵³ and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

While many might deny these words, do you believe?