Testimonies of the Resurrection
by Rev. Kirby Williams
A simple Easter message fashioned after Peter's sermon at Pentecost.
Text: Acts 2:22-36
Date: 04/08/2012, the Traditional service.
Occasion: Easter Sunday
Description:
The dominant theme of the preaching of the early church was without a doubt the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This was exemplified by Peter's great sermon at Pentecost, when the church experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and about 3,000 souls were added to its number. On that occasion, Peter delivered a simple and straight-forward message to those who would listen. He proclaimed that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah, proven by both signs and wonders and the prophecies of Scripture. The "men of Israel" had missed the obvious signs of their visitation, crucified the very Son of God, and were culpable for His death. As a result, they were desperately in need of a Savior. Peter made it clear that all of this was according to God's plan, and forgiveness was available to all who would put their trust in Jesus. My own Easter message is just as simple and straight-forward as Peter's. We are still in need of a Savior and God continues to attest the reality of Christ's presence and work through the miracle of regeneration. As a result, the true church remains under the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and continues to manifest the crosswork of Jesus Christ through millions of testimones of the Resurrection.
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I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, Acts 2:22-36.
A. Context
B. The heart of Peter's sermon.
1. The audience, vs. 22, 29, Jer. 31:31.
2. The accusation, vs. 23, 36b.
3. The attestation, vs. 22.
a. The proclamation.
b. The proof, vs. 22, 25-31.
i. Signs and wonders, vs. 22, John 21:25.
ii. The fulfillment of prophecy, vs. 25-31.
iii. Testimonies of the Resurrection, vs. 32.
4. The plan, vs. 23.
a. A planned sacrifice, Mark 10:45.
b. The glory of the Resurrection, vs. 24, 32.
5. The invitation, vs. 37-40.
III. A simple Easter message.
A. The audience, vs. 39.
1. The universal audience.
2. The particular audience.
B. The accusation, Matt. 5:48, Rom. 3:23.
C. The attestation.
1. The proclamation, John 1:1, 14.
2. The proof.
a. Proofs of Scripture.
b. Proofs of the Spirit, Mark 8:11-12.
i. Peter's message.
ii. The existence of the church.
iii. Miracles of the Resurrection.
D. The plan.
E. The invitation.
IV. Conclusion
