Today's Passage - John 20:1-10

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english John 20: 1-10   Early in the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw the stone had been removed from the entrance.  So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one who Jesus loved, and said, 'They had taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him." Peter and the other disciples started for the tomb .....   Frank Morison often listened to Christians relating to him about the resurrection of Jesus. But the more he heard about the story, the more he thought it was unbelievable.  How can people believe such a thing in this scientific age.  Consequently, he decided to search for proofs to ridicule the resurrection of Christ so people would not be fooled. After thirty years of research, he finally published this book:" Who moved the tomb stone?"  Ironically, the heading for the first chapter in his book was, "This is a book that cannot be accomplished."  Why is that so?  His initial intention was to demonstrate the resurrection of Christ is a hoax, but after all the research he did, he could not deny that the resurrection is genuine.    If we read the Bible carefully, we will notice that this could not have been fabricated by the disciples.  It is because even though the Lord had revealed to them many times about His resurrection, His disciples did not believe that Jesus would actually resurrect from the dead.  Therefore, when Mary came to the tomb early in the morning and noticed that the tomb stone was removed, she told the disciples, "They took Jesus' body away and we don't know where they have put him!"   The women and the disciples were all in fear.    When Peter heard about this news, he did not declare happily, "Jesus has risen!", but instead, he was in a state of disbelief.  Thomas reacted similarly and said, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my fingers where the nails were, and put my hands in his side, I will not believe it."  In reality, these disciples who had followed Jesus faithfully did not expect to see Jesus' resurrection.  If indeed Jesus had not resurrected, they would have led normal lives raising children and lived to old age!  Yet the resurrection of Christ became the turning points of their lives, and as a result, they could not resist from spreading the gospel and bearing testimonies for Christ!   The disciples who were once weak, were now much strengthened, willing to accept persecutions for this truth even to the point of martyrdom! If Jesus had not resurrected, the disciples would not have the courage to bear witness for the Lord! Praise the Lord! Our Lord had indeed risen! He is living today; He walks with me; He talks with me along life's narrow way.  Let us sing praises to this Lord of resurrection!                                  Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, we thank you because not only have you died on our behalf, you have also resurrected and brought us hope and new lives.  May we have courage, faith, peace and joy in our daily living.  With thanks we pray, in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen