April 16, 2017
Passage:  The Gospels
Speaker:  Pastor Bill Knepper
Main Point:  The resurrection is an irrefutable fact.

I. Jesus was declared to be dead.
            A. John 19:31-37;  He was pierced.
            B. Mark 15:42-45;  The centurion testified.
            C. John 19:39-42;  He was wrapped with 75 lbs. of spices.

II. A tomb was available and used.
            A. Matthew 27:59-60;  The tomb belonged to Joseph of Arimathea.
            B. John 19:41-42;  The tomb was near to Golgotha.

III. The body of Jesus was laid in the tomb.
            A. John 19:42;         }
            B. Luke 23:53;         } All gospels say Jesus was buried.
            C. Mark 15:46;         }
            D. Matthew 27:60;   }

IV. A stone was rolled over the entrance.
            A. Matthew 27:60;  A large stone was rolled over the entrance.
            B. The stone was designed to seal out predators.

V. The tomb was sealed by the authorities.
            A. Matthew 27: 62-66;  The next morning they sealed the tomb.

VI. The tomb was guarded by soldiers.
            A. This could be the Roman guard.
            B. This could be the temple police.

VII. The disciples were afraid.
            A. Mark 14:50;        }  They all ran away.
            B. Matthew 26:56;   }
            C. Peter denied Jesus 3 times.

VIII. Jesus appeared many time after the resurrection.
            A. No one could refute the empty tomb.
            B. 1 Corinthians 15:6; The witnesses stayed true despite persecution.