EM06012014 Outline

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MESSAGE BELIEVING WHAT WE BELIEVE (Luke 24:36-53) Stuart Briscoe (Minister-At-Large) | May 31/June 1, 2014 | No. 6864 The 40 days after Easter were critical for Jesus’ disciples who were experiencing a crisis of faith. Jesus remained with them to deal with the issues. We too need to ensure we truly believe what we believe. I. Believing that the cross was more than a cruel tragedy (Luke 24:26) 2. Believing that Jesus was truly risen from the dead (Luke 24:36- 43) • Jesus proclaimed “Peace” but they were terrified • Their doubts could be banished by recognizing He was with them – “It is I!” (vss. 36- 39a) • They weren’t hallucinating; He was not an apparition – “Handle Me, I’m no ghost” (vss. 39b, 40) • They were introduced to the reality of His resurrection – “anything to eat?’ (vss. 41-43) • Their “minds were opened” to see the Resurrection was part of the grand plan (vss. 44-47) • Results: Emmaus pair – “too bad to be true” (vs. 17f); disciples — “too good to be true” (vs. 41); Thomas — “my Lord and my God” (John 20:28, 29) 3. Believing repentance was necessary (2 Cor. 7: 9-11); forgiveness was possible in the “Name” (vs. 47) 4. Believing that the gospel is relevant to and must be taken to all “peoples” (cf.Acts 10:28, 29; 11:19) 5. Believing that they were responsible to make known what they had been privileged to know (vs. 48) 6. Believing that power for the task would be made available to them — “Clothed with power” (vs. 49) 7. Believing that they were being “blessed” and accordingly worshipping with joy (vss. 50-52) Points to ponder: What exactly do I believe? What difference does it make? This message is available on CD in the Bookstore, Library, or via download or podcast after Monday at elmbrook.org.