NR2-51   ORS-18   WTB-31

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Do you remember that when Jesus was raised from the Tomb on Resurrection Day by God the Father — something wonderful had taken place? No longer was Jesus bound by His earthly body to be in only one place at a time. Now Jesus was free to be with all of us, anywhere and anytime. He began to show up precisely where and when He was needed.

 

There are more than a dozen times Jesus is seen in the Scriptures after His Resurrection. He is only seen by loving eyes, and only touched by loving hands. And in each of these situations where He appears, it is to meet a very special need that all of us share in one way or another this morning. In other words, Our Risen Lord is here with us this morning, and He will be anywhere we are from today to our last heart beat and final breath.

 

The Appearances of Christ

  • LAUNCHING THE ELEVEN DISCIPLES ON A GREAT COMMISSION LIFE FROM THE MOUNTAIN Matthew 28:16-20.

 

Have you slowly lost that passion you once had for ministry, soul-winning or just coming to church?  Does it seem like you are unfocused and drifting? Then I have good news – JESUS IS HERE TO LAUNCH YOU WITH HIS POWER AND PRESENCE TO A LIFE WITH A MISSION. He wants you to go and be His servant speaking and serving in His name. Let Him launch you today.

Matthew 28:16-20 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

 

Have you slowly lost that passion you once had for ministry, soul-winning or just coming to church?  Does it seem like you are unfocused and drifting? Then I have good news – JESUS IS HERE TO LAUNCH YOU WITH HIS POWER AND PRESENCE TO A LIFE WITH A MISSION. He wants you to go and be His servant speaking and serving in His name. Let Him launch you today.

 

  • REFOCUSING THE CONFUSED ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS In Luke 24.36-49.

 

Have you ever gotten dry and barren in your study of God’s Word? It just seemed like nothing was jumping off the page and into your heart? Then I have good news – JESUS WANTS TO WARM YOUR HEART AND OPEN YOUR EYES TO MEET WITH HIM IN HIS WORD! He us here today, just ask for His help.

 

Luke 24.36-49 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them,  “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them,  “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” 40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. 41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 And He took it and ate in their presence. 44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” 45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. 46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

 

Have you ever gotten dry and barren in your study of God’s Word? It just seemed like nothing was jumping off the page and into your heart? Then I have good news – JESUS WANTS TO WARM YOUR HEART AND OPEN YOUR EYES TO MEET WITH HIM IN HIS WORD! He us here today, just ask for His help.

 

  • REWARDING THE DEVOTION OF THE WOMEN In John 20.11-18.

 

Do you love the Lord with all your heart? Is you desire to love and serve, and worship Him? Then I have good news – JESUS REWARDS DEVOTION TO HIM! REWARDING THE DEVOTION OF THE WOMEN

 

John 20.11-18 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 Then they said to her,  “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” 14 Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her,  “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ” 18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.

 

Do you love the Lord with all your heart? Is you desire to love and serve, and worship Him? Then I have good news – JESUS REWARDS DEVOTION TO HIM!

 

  • REDEPLOYING THE COMMITTED In John 20.19-24.

 

Have you forgotten how precious it was when you first were saved? Have you lost some of that fire you had?   Then I have good news – JESUS WANTS TO ANNOINT YOU AFRESH WITH HIS SPIRIT. Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me. Breathe on me breath of God – fill me with life anew. REDEPLOYING THE COMMITTED

 

John 20.19-24. Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again,  “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them,  “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” 24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.

 

Have you forgotten how precious it was when you first were saved? Have you lost some of that fire you had?   Then I have good news – JESUS WANTS TO ANNOINT YOU AFRESH WITH HIS SPIRIT.

# 247         Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me.

# 259         Breathe on me breath of God – fill me with life anew.

 

  • CONFIRMING FAITH BY ANSWERING THE HONEST QUESTIONS OF THE SEEKING THOMAS in John 20:24-31.

 

Do you have some doubts this morning? Have others passed you by, and their experience of Christ you don’t seem to be able to share? Do you wish that Jesus could just come and show His wounded hands and feet to you? Then I have good news – JESUS KNOW YOUR DOUBTS AND WANTS TO ANSWER THEM. He is here and will respond to your reaching out in doubting faith. He will confirm that He is alive, and real, and your Lord and God. You can fall before Him and confess that to Him now. CONFIRMING FAITH BY ANSWERING THE HONEST QUESTIONS OF THE SEEKING THOMAS

 

John 20:24-31 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” 26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said,  “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas,  “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

 

Do you have some doubts this morning? Have others passed you by, and their experience of Christ you don’t seem to be able to share? Do you wish that Jesus could just come and show His wounded hands and feet to you? Then I have good news – JESUS KNOW YOUR DOUBTS AND WANTS TO ANSWER THEM. He is here this morning and will respond to your reaching out in doubting faith. He will confirm that He is alive, and real, and your Lord and God. You can fall before Him and confess that to Him now.

 

  • REAFFIRMING THE CONSECRATION OF THE SEVEN DISCIPLES WHILE FISHING John 21:1-14.

 

Have you gotten away from your first love. Kind of drifted slowly away so that you are doing something that you did before Christ and aren’t doing what He called you to do? Then I have good news – JESUS IS STANDING ON THE SHORE AND REDIRECTING EVERY FISH IN YOUR POND UNTIL YOU THROW YOUR NET THE WAY HE WANTS YOU TO THROW IT! If you see Him on the shore throw yourself at Him this morning!  REAFFIRMING THE CONSECRATION OF THE SEVEN DISCIPLES WHILE FISHING

 

John 21:1-14. After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them,  “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” 6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them,  “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” 11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. 14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.

 

Have you gotten away from your first love. Kind of drifted slowly away so that you are doing something that you did before Christ and aren’t doing what He called you to do? Then I have good news – JESUS IS STANDING ON THE SHORE AND REDIRECTING EVERY FISH IN YOUR POND UNTIL YOU THROW YOUR NET THE WAY HE WANTS YOU TO THROW IT! If you see Him on the shore throw yourself at Him this morning!

 

  • RESTORING THE FALLEN PETER In John 21.15-19.

 

Have you denied the Lord recently? You ran with the wrong crowd, stood with the mockers of Christ, and sat down in sin and found yourself to weak to stand up for Him when the crisis moment came? Do you feel distant, detached, alone, and confused?  Then I have good news – JESUS KNOWS YOUR DENIAL AND WANTS TO RESTORE YOU. He is here this morning and wants to meet you back where you fell, and walk you into fellowship and friendship, and usefulness. He is here and waiting to restore you right now. RESTORING THE FALLEN PETER

 

John 21.15-19. So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,  “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time,  “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him,  “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time,  “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time,  “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him,  “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

 

Have you denied the Lord recently? You ran with the wrong crowd, stood with the mockers of Christ, and sat down in sin and found yourself to weak to stand up for Him when the crisis moment came? Do you feel distant, detached, alone, and confused?  Then I have good news – JESUS KNOWS YOUR DENIAL AND WANTS TO RESTORE YOU. He is here this morning and wants to meet you back where you fell, and walk you into fellowship and friendship, and usefulness. He is here and waiting to restore you right now.

 

  • HONORING THE FAITHFUL WHO WATCHED JESUS ASCEND INTO HEAVEN.  Acts 1.3-8

 

Are you watching for Jesus? He is coming again, and before His return He said He will note those who watch for Him. Are you watching? Then I have good news – JESUS WILL REWARD THOSE WHO WATCH FOR HIS COMING.  HONORING THE FAITHFUL WHO WATCHED JESUS ASCEND INTO HEAVEN.

 

Acts 1:3-8 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. 4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

 

Are you watching for Jesus? He is coming again, and before His return He said He will note those who watch for Him. Are you watching? Then I have good news – JESUS WILL REWARD THOSE WHO WATCH FOR HIS COMING.

 

  • COMFORTING THE DYING WITH STEPHEN In Acts 7.54-60.

 

Are you facing  something fearful these days? Are you looking death or disability or aloneness in the face these days? Are you afraid? Then I have good news – JESUS WILL BE WITH YOU AND ASKS YOU TO BE NOT AFRAID, JUST TRUST IN HIM. COMFORTING THE DYING WITH STEPHEN

 

Acts 7:54-60 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

 

Are you facing  something fearful these days? Are you looking death or disability or aloneness in the face these days? Are you afraid? Then I have good news – JESUS WILL BE WITH YOU AND ASKS YOU TO BE NOT AFRAID, JUST TRUST IN HIM.

 

  • CALLING THE LOST TO SALVATION AS IN PAUL In Acts 9.1-8.

 

Has the message of salvation smitten your heart? Do you realize that you are lost, hopeless and helpless? Then I have good news – JESUS OFFERS YOU HIS SALVATION TODAY! Just call upon Him and He will save you.

 

Acts 9:1-8 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him,  “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said,  “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him,  “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.

 

Has the message of salvation smitten your heart? Do you realize that you are lost, hopeless and helpless? Then I have good news – JESUS OFFERS YOU HIS SALVATION TODAY! Just call upon Him and He will save you.

 

  • MEETING WITH TRUE WORSHIPPERS IN THE CROWD OF 500 I Corinthians 15:6.

 

When God’s people lift their hearts in worship – Jesus is right there with them. Are you full of joy in your salvation this morning? Then I have good news – JESUS IS RIGHT HERE INHABITING YOUR WORSHIP. MEETING WITH TRUE WORSHIPPERS IN THE CROWD OF 500

 

I Corinthians 15:6. 1 Corinthians 15:6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.

 

When God’s people lift their hearts in worship – Jesus is right there with them. Are you full of joy in your salvation this morning? Then I have good news – JESUS IS RIGHT HERE INHABITING YOUR WORSHIP.

 

  • FINDING THE TRULY REPENTANT IN JESUS’ BROTHER JAMES 1 Corinthians 15:7.

 

Have you grown up in Christ’s presence but never personally trusted Him? Do you know all about Him but never have received Him? Then I have good news – JESUS ALWAYS COMES TO THOSE TRULLY REPENTANT ONES. He will come to you too if you acknowledge Him. FINDING THE TRULY REPENTANT IN JESUS’ BROTHER JAMES

 

1 Corinthians 15:7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.

 

Have you grown up in Christ’s presence but never personally trusted Him? Do you know all about Him but never have received Him? Then I have good news – JESUS ALWAYS COMES TO THOSE TRULLY REPENTANT ONES. He will come to you too if you acknowledge Him.

 

  • CALMING THE TROUBLED PAUL IN THE PARALYZING STRUGGLES OF HIS LIFE AND MINISTRY in II Corinthians 12.7-10.

 

Have you found life is a painful thing? Are challenges facing you in every realm – physically, emotionally and spiritually? Then I have good news – JESUS WANTS TO MAKE YOU STONG AS YOU GIVE THOSE WEAKNESSES TO HIM.   He can only take over when we give up, why not give in to Him today. CALMING THE TROUBLED PAUL IN THE PARALYZING STRUGGLES OF HIS LIFE AND MINISTRY

 

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me,  “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

 

Have you found life is a painful thing? Are challenges facing you in every realm – physically, emotionally and spiritually? Then I have good news – JESUS WANTS TO MAKE YOU STONG AS YOU GIVE THOSE WEAKNESSES TO HIM.   He can only take over when we give up, why not give in to Him today.

 

  • CHALLENGING THE SAINTS IN HIS CHURCH in Revelation 1:12-20

 

Have you lost the wonder that comes of being at Christ’s Church? Do the songs not lift you? Do the messages not challenge you? Do the appeals not stir you? Then I have good news – JESUS IS WALKING BY YOUR CHAIR THIS MORNING AND HE WANTS ALL OF YOU. Give Him that first love back again, fall as dead at His feet in your heart. Repent, return, and restart those first loving ways. CHALLENGING THE SAINTS IN HIS CHURCH

 

Revelation 1:12-20 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me,  “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. 19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. 20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

 

Have you lost the wonder that comes of being at Christ’s Church? Do the songs not lift you? Do the messages not challenge you? Do the appeals not stir you? Then I have good news – JESUS IS WALKING BY YOUR CHAIR THIS MORNING AND HE WANTS ALL OF YOU. Give Him that first love back again, fall as dead at His feet in your heart. Repent, return, and restart those first loving ways.

 

There were probably many other times He appeared to one or more of His disciples. Luke says: “He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days” (Acts 1:3). Finally, of course, He was seen by Paul (Acts 9:3-8; 1 Corinthians 15:8) and once again by John (Revelation 1:12-18).

 

He came to save. To all like us today He gives forgiveness and true life when we ask Him! The Savior is waiting to enter your heart, why don’t you let Him come in? #329