Threshing Floor Tabernacle

To them also He showed Himself alive after His passion (His suffering in the garden and on the cross) by [a series of] many convincing demonstrations [unquestionable evidences and infallible proofs], appearing to them during forty days and talking [to them] about the things of the kingdom of God. ~Acts 1:3 AMP

Through many infallible (Web – incapable of error; not liable to mislead, deceive, or disappoint; incapable of error in defining doctrines touching faith or morals) proofs, the disciples were convinced that Jesus had in fact rose from the dead. His death was obvious and accepted, but His Resurrection was in question. The Resurrection is pivotal to the Gospel. It is the apex of Christianity. Without the Resurrection Jesus falls into the category of a religious teacher, a prophet, a founder of Christianity, even a philosopher. He’s no better than Mohammed, Buddha, Confucius, Aristotle, Socrates, or Plato. Without the Resurrection He’s just another enlightened one and Christianity is just another religion.

Religion is the worship of a god or deity. It is a systematic pattern of beliefs, practice, rituals, and conduct. Anyone can be religious. Jesus didn’t come to make us religious, He came to restore us to right relationship and fellowship with the One True and Living God. He died not only for the Jew (although He came as a Jew), He died for the entire world that the world through Him might be saved. The Word of God says, “But as many as received Him, to them gave He the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name (John 1:12).” Without the Resurrection He could not grant this power, as He would still be in the grave and we would still be in our sins.

It was important then and it is important now that His Resurrection from the dead be preached. It is the power of His Resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings that we need to become intimately acquainted with (see Philippians 3:10AMP). Jesus had to get the disciples to the place of believing that He had indeed risen from the dead. Ten days after His ascension they would come to know Him as never before. Instead of questioning His Resurrection, they truly were willing to suffer/die for His cause. If the current trend continues in America where Christians are constantly being ostracized for their faith and testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, we too will face what the disciples of the Lord faced. Just remember, Jesus is risen from the dead and the same Resurrection Power now dwells in you (see I Corinthians 15:20)!