The Christians' Confidence

The Resurrection = the defining event in Christianity -- 1 Cor. 15:12-20  (addressing believers' resurrection)
Jesus rose - Physically, healed (tho' still had his scars), glorified (new and improved), eternal! 

If Christ was not really resurrected, then all our faith is futile - we are still in our sins!!

POINT:  The Resurrection demonstrates His authority over all things!! - Matt. 28:18

So Paul writes:  Rom. 1:4

Resurrection changed the disciples ... from confused and fearful to single-minded and Bold!!
It can do the same for us!!

On one hand, we don't get a visible, physical appearance ... However, we have a promise .. John 20:28-29

POINT:  IF we are convinced of the Resurrection... THEN it leads to a confidence, certainty ...

Biblical Word = FAITH
Modern word = Confidence
Result = a PEACE ... Not absolute and always ... because (1) life = turmoil
                                                                                          (2) we = human (Rom. 3:23)
But we should have the ability to be calm in the midst of certain things.

Nevertheless, His Resurrection should inspire our Confidence ... which should lead to a certain degree of Peace!!

Belief in Resurrection should result in...

I)  Confidence in Christ - who demonstrated ALL AUTHORITY!!
Note:  early church statement of faith = JESUS IS LORD!

This is not confidence in the event of the Resurrection)
Rather = confidence in the Person of Christ!!
Example:  can admire Abe Lincoln, but that doesn't mean you trust him!!
Contrast:  Heb. 7:24-25

IF you have confidence in Christ, then it should inspire...

II)  Allegiance to Christ  (obedience to Him)
This is more than recognition.  = loyalty and obedience
       is more than He is Lord.  = You're MY Lord
Luke 6:46

Note:  distinction:  demons believe ... do not bow!  (yet)

Naturally follows ... allegiance to Christ should result in ....

III)  An interest in His Word(s) - Luke 6:46-49

A Distinction:  love for His word(s) not necessarily = love for reading!!  BUT.... does = desire for exposure to His Word(s)

The Resurrection should confer a certain...

IV)  Courage in the face of death

Because - He more than overcame His own death, He overcomes ALL death!! 
1 Cor. 15:21-26, Rev. 20:14

This does not mean you won't tremble in the face of death, rather = a confidence in spite of fear!
This is more than our own death ... death of loved ones may be harder to face!! _ Psm. 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...."

These promises = for those who Receive Him!!!  - John 3:16-18, 1 John 1:10-13

Courage in the face of death naturally precedes ...

V)  Confidence in the Next Life   (after death!)
Rev. 21:3-5

Nearly all people assume this without accepting, recognizing Christ!!!  That is NOT a Biblical Hope ...
but a cultural hope!!
(Build your Hope on Christ and Scripture!!! Not on current culture)

IF you've accepted, received, embraced Jesus AS your Lord and Savior...

THEN this confidence (assurance, peace, etc) can be yours!!!

BUT ... it is not an instant miracle!!  It comes with time, learning, experience, growth, knowledge.
Paul = "I have learned ... to be content"
Example:  the disciples

But... this confidence, faith, certainty, peace... begins with a decision to accept Jesus as Savior and LORD  (again - compare the disciples)

CS Lewis .... Liar - Lunatic - Lord?
Is nothing wrong with healthy, honest skepticism.  BUT don't let that lead to willful disobedience (rebellion, refusal)

Heb. 9:23-28