Podcasts about real jesus please stand up

What makes a church good? Have you ever thought about that? In his new book, Will the Real Church Please Stand Up, author Matthew Richard shows us what makes a church great is an unwavering focus on Christ. Pastor Richard joins this episode to discuss the new book with host Elizabeth Pittman. Find out more and pre-order the book at cph.org/realchurch. Available to order starting October 8.  Show NotesCome join the Campbells as they test out churches in their brand-new town of Midway. They're looking to see which one fits their family and faith the best. Each church offers something different such as post-church refreshments, use of technology, outreach programs, or childcare. Even with all of these perks, do these churches still count as "good" or are they missing something pivotal to their worship services?Author Matthew Richard joins the podcast to talk about his new book and how he helps readers discover eight different churches, and how to be able to see what a good church has: Christ at the very center. Pastor Richard also discusses his first book in the series, Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?, who he came to write the second book, his own experiences as a pastor, and more. QuestionsWhat led you to book number two?Tell us how you created the Campbell family. What should be looking for to identify the unity and purpose in a church?Tell us about the distinction between friendship and biblical fellowship, and why it's important in a congregation. Tell us about the architecture of a church and what it can tell us about the unity and purpose of a church.You draw the distinction between the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. Tell us how churches may get that misplaced. Talk about one of your example churches and how they are too focused on their status as people in the church. What happens when we put too much focus on social status in the church?Tell us why the three estates are important for the church and how you use Peace as an example. Trinity takes readers to the first church in the book that is very denomination focused. What are the good and bad aspects of denomination distinctions and at what point does fidelity to the denomination become problematic?What does the real church stand for and how do we recognize it?What would you say to someone who starts to look around their own church and are concerned their focus has strayed from Jesus? What do you suggest they do?What advice do you have for the pastor who is trying to ensure his congregation is staying focused on the true unity and purpose of the church?How can groups who work through this book together maintain a sense of fellowship as they discuss problems their own church may be facing?About the GuestRev. Dr. Matthew Richard is the pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, North Dakota. He is married to Serenity, and they have three children. Besides being a busy dad, he enjoys amateur carpentry work and knife collecting, as well as being a whisky and Taekwondo enthusiast.

Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on the Sundays in Advent to talk about the Gospel Reading for the Third Sunday in Advent. Why is John the Baptist so important in Advent? Why does Jesus ask questions when He already knows the answers? What do all of these miracles mean?

Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on the Sundays in Advent to talk about the Gospel Reading for the Fourth Sunday in Advent. Why did the Jew ask who John was, and why did the Pharisees care? Are there different kinds of Baptism? What does John mean when he talks about the Lamb of God?

Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on the Sundays in Advent to talk about the Gospel Reading for the Fourth Sunday in Advent. Why did the Jew ask who John was, and why did the Pharisees care? Are there different kinds of Baptism? What does John mean when he talks about the Lamb of God? John 1:19-29 The Testimony of John the Baptist 19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight[a] the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said.” 24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) 25 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. Behold, the Lamb of God 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! Read full chapter Footnotes John 1:23 Or crying out, ‘In the wilderness make straight English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org

Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on the Sundays in Advent to talk about the Gospel Reading for the Third Sunday in Advent. Why is John the Baptist so important in Advent? Why does Jesus ask questions when He already knows the answers? What do all of these miracles mean? Matthew 11:2-10 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers[a] are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” 7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man[b] dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet?[c] Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,     who will prepare your way before you.' Read full chapter Footnotes Matthew 11:5 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13 Matthew 11:8 Or Why then did you go out? To see a man… Matthew 11:9 Some manuscripts Why then did you go out? To see a prophet? English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org

Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on the Sundays in Advent to talk about the Gospel Reading for the Second Sunday in Advent. Why does Jesus keep talking about fig trees? What will the Second Coming be like? How does this story connect to Old Testament Prophecies?    

Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on the Sundays in Advent to talk about the Gospel Reading for the First Sunday in Advent. What does Advent even mean? Why are we reading about Palm Sunday in Advent? What does it mean that Jesus arrives on a donkey? Original Air Date: November 29th of 2023

Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on the Sundays in Advent to talk about the Gospel Reading for the Second Sunday in Advent. Why does Jesus keep talking about fig trees? What will the Second Coming be like? How does this story connect to Old Testament Prophecies? Luke 21:25-36 The Coming of the Son of Man 25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” The Lesson of the Fig Tree 29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Watch Yourselves 34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Read full chapter English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org

Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah in our series on the Sundays in Advent to talk about the Gospel Reading for the First Sunday in Advent. What does Advent even mean? Why are we reading about Palm Sunday in Advent? What does it mean that Jesus arrives on a donkey? Matthew 21:1-9 The Triumphal Entry 21 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,' and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you,     humble, and mounted on a donkey,     on a colt,[a] the foal of a beast of burden.'” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” Read full chapter Footnotes Matthew 21:5 Or donkey, and on a colt English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org

Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his upbringing in the Church, his journey into pastoral ministry, how he came from the Lutheran Brethren to the LCMS, the colloquy process to become an LCMS pastor, and how his experience with various Christian denominations helps him serve in his vocations as pastor and author. Original Air Date: November 3rd of 2023 

Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? available from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his upbringing in the Church, his journey into pastoral ministry, how he came from the Lutheran Brethren to the LCMS, the colloquy process to become an LCMS pastor, and how his experience with various Christian denominations helps him serve in his vocations as pastor and author. Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up!

The That Podcast talks about things that happened in the 90's, nostalgia of old cartoons and Pastor DJ's reading material, "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up." That Podcast is available on the following podcast services by searching “Atonement Fargo”: Spotify Google Podcasts Apple Podcasts Castbox Find us online at: YouTube Facebook Twitter https://thatpodcast.net​​​​​​​ https://atonement.live​​​​​​​ https://www.atonementfargo.org

 Messiah: Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? By Bobby Wallace, Lead Minister 8/21/22 Is the Jesus you follow the same one you see in the Bible? Or is he a conglomeration of modern philosophy, your desires, and other ideas? How does the Real Jesus and His teaching change your life? Let's take a deeper look!

Bobby Cooley and Dr. Steve Jones are talking about 3 things your family needs to know about celebrating Easter. How do we find meaningful ways to celebrate Easter as a family? Take a listen to find out! 1. Easter is more important than Christmas 2. The Empty tomb is the center of Easter 3. The Empty tomb proves so many other truths about Christianity Click here for Empowered Homes Easter Resources Additional Resources Evidence That Demands a Verdict -by Josh McDowell Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? by Paul Copen Have more questions, email us podcast@empoweredhomes.org.

In this episode of I Thought You'd Like to Know, Catholic missionary and evangelist Romuald Simeone presents The Gospel of John: Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? with ITEST (August 28, 2021)

In this episode of I Thought You'd Like to Know, Catholic missionary and evangelist Romuald Simeone presents The Gospel of John: Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? with ITEST (August 28, 2021)

Fra bogen "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?" Køb bogen her: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Will-Real-Jesus-Please-Stand/dp/0758657196/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=will+the+real+jesus+please+stand+up&qid=1608297536&s=books&sr=1-1 Maskot Jesus: - Etisk hedonisme - Lovløshed - Ingen fortabelse

It can be easy to fashion a version of Jesus to fit our political views, to blur the lines between the hope promised in a political campaign with the hope we cling to in Christ. Believe it or not, Jesus is not a democrat or republican. Or an independent.  How can we avoid politicizing Jesus? That's what we're going to talk about today with our guest, Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard. Pastor Richard is the pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND. He is also the author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?

Some of us are old enough to remember a television show called, "To Tell the Truth," in which three guests (two of whom were impostors) answered questions from a four-person celebrity panel. The object of the game was to trick the celebrities into thinking an impostor was the real person. The iconic line was, “Will the real [whoever] please stand up?” To some degree, we have the same situation today as we seek to know "The Real Jesus." There are lots of impostors, but only one real Jesus. And, so, as we continue to make our way through Mark’s Gospel, we're asking this morning, “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?”

Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, North Dakota, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we can have conversations about the meaning of Advent with friends from different liturgical traditions who may not understand why we celebrate Advent. This is a rebroadcast from December 12, 2018.

Sermon Series: Knowing Jesus | A Worship Series for Saints & SinnersSermon Title: Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?Scripture Reading: John 14:5-10; Luke 9:21-26; 1 John 1:1-3 We know that Jesus ought to be central and supreme in our life and church, but which Jesus? We’re all tempted to fashion Jesus in our own image. It’s never been more prevalent that it is today in Western culture where individualism and moral relativism reigns supreme. When our view of Jesus develops apart from the Christ of history, we inevitably have him affirming things that reflect our own fallen desires and religio-political agendas. In Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? (2 of 6), Pastor David calls us as saints and sinners to let our knowledge of Jesus be shaped by the New Testament.Worship Resources:sermon video (mp4)sermon slidesJuly 21 bulletin

Bobbie Peterson wraps up with the fifth session of "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?"

Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, North Dakota, and author of Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how we can have conversations about the meaning of Advent with friends from different liturgical traditions who may not understand why we celebrate Advent. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact Andy Bates at andrew.bates@kfuo.org or call 314-996-1519.

On Saturday, January 13, 2018, Calvary Ministry School presents Encountering Jesus: His Ministry & Culture, featuring Dr. Wave Nunnally. In Session 1, Dr. Nunnally gives historical evidence, outside from Biblical resources, for the existence and ministry of Jesus Christ. During the course of this study, Dr. Nunnally references his published article, "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?" Available at this site: http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/200804/200804_090_Real_Jesus.cfm

This weekend, Pastor Robert shares a message titled “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?” where he talks about the five foundational ministries of Jesus.

This weekend, Pastor Robert shares a message titled “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?” where he talks about the five foundational ministries of Jesus.

This weekend, Pastor Robert shares a message titled “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?” where he talks about the five foundational ministries of Jesus.

This weekend, Pastor Robert shares a message titled “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?” where he talks about the five foundational ministries of Jesus.

This weekend, Pastor Robert shares a message titled “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?” where he talks about the five foundational ministries of Jesus.

This weekend, Pastor Robert shares a message titled “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?” where he talks about the five foundational ministries of Jesus.

00:00 - Introduction 03:27 - Scripture Narrative (John 1:46) 05:15 - Free-for-all (Favorite Season of the Year) 16:28 - Main Topic (So, Where Are You From?) On episode TWENTY-SIX of Let the Bird Fly! the guys take another stab at self-indulgent podcasting (is that redundant?). But this time they do it with four kids, which makes it more difficult for the listener to leave a scathing review (THINK OF THE CHILDREN!) If this episode sounds a bit like one of our Wingin’ It session, that’s probably because we found ourselves wingin’ it after some technical difficulties. We had hoped to have Pastor Matthew Richard on to talk about his new book Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?: 12 False Christs, but with Ben out of the studio Peter and Wade found themselves with too many technological obstacles to overcome. We are extremely grateful to Pastor Richard for his patience and understanding. We are already working on new time to have him on, so stay tuned (and in the meantime, grab a copy of his book so that you can follow along when we do get him on). Since they were left without a planned episode, Wade and Peter decided to take the opportunity to talk to the kids about where they are from, how that impacts them, and why they find it so important to identify with their “home.” Sophie and Oliva go toe-to-toe a couple of times, holding the most contentious (even if not the most intellectually rigorous) debate the podcast has seen to date. In the free-for-all (or the second attempt at a free-for-all…kids these days, you can’t podcast with them anywhere) we discuss our favorite seasons of the year. And Wade sets a record for the fastest Scripture Narrative yet! This is far from our most polished episode, but we hope that you are able to look past the disorganization and the poor audio quality and still able to find something interesting or entertaining. If you feel like you need something a bit more meaty to listen to this week, you’re in luck. Wade mentions that he was on a couple of podcasts this past week, so you can give those a listen. The first is Virtue in the Wasteland; you can find Wade’s episode here. And the second is The Thinking Fellows; Wade’s episode can be found here. So if our last-minute attempt is insufficient for you this week, we’re sure those two will more than make up for it. Oh, and if you enjoy the interviews of Wade, make sure to subscribe to both podcasts, we think you’ll find them both very interesting. As always, if you are enjoying the show, please subscribe, rate, and review us on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, or TuneIn Radio. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. And, of course, share us with a friend or two! If you’d like to contact us we can be reached at podcast@LetTheBirdFly.com, or visit our website at www.LetTheBirdFly.com. Thanks for listening! Attributions for Music Used in this Episode: “The Last One” by Jahzzar is licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 International License. “Horses to Water” by Topher Mohr and Alex Elena “Gib laut” by Dirk Becker is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (aka Music Sharing) 3.0 International License. “Whistling Down the Road” by Silent Partner “Not Drunk” by The Joy Drops is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.  

Original Air Date: August 24, 2017 Theme:  Chris Arnzen interviews Pastor Matt Richard about his new book, "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? 12 False Christs."   

Original Airing Date: June 18, 2017 Details: Part 4 with Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Gwinner, ND about his new book "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? 12 False Christs." To listen to the "Once for All" Radio Program, CLICK HERE To order "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?" go to: www.cph.org/RealJesus

Original Airing Date: August 19, 2017 Details: Part 5 with Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Gwinner, ND about his new book "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? 12 False Christs." To listen to the "Once for All" Radio Program, CLICK HERE To order "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?" go to: www.cph.org/RealJesus

Audio Release by Jon Clemens on "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? 12 False Christs."      

Original Air Date:  June 23, 2017 After Wolfmueller plays a humiliating game of Bible Bee with Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, we play a new game called, "Name that False Christ" from his brand new book, "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? 12 False Christs."  

Original Airing Date: June 20, 2017 Details: Part 3 with Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Gwinner, ND about his new book "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? 12 False Christs." To listen to the "Once for All" Radio Program, CLICK HERE To order "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?" go to: www.cph.org/RealJesus

After Wolfmueller plays a humiliating game of Bible Bee with Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, we play a new game called “Name that False Christ” from his brand new book Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up. Check it out: www.cph.org/realjesus

Original Air Date: June 12, 2017 Details: Guest Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Gwinner, North Dakota, and frequent guest on KFUO’s His Time, discusses about his book Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? Rev. Richard talks about addressing false christs in the book and in the lives of people we all encounter, what has happened to objective truth, and how this book can be used.

Original Aire Date: June 12, 2017 Details:  In this episode of "His Time," Pastor Richard discusses his new book, "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?" and also visits with Rev. Fisk about John 14:1-17.  

Original Air Date: June 9, 2017 at the Issues, Etc. Making the Case Conference Details: Do you believe in a false christ? Pastor Richard's interview of his new book, "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?" at the 'Issues, Etc. Making the Case Conference.'

Original Airing Date: June 6, 2017 Details:  Part 2 with Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Gwiner, ND about his new book "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? 12 False Christs."  To order "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?" go to: www.cph.org/RealJesus

Original Air Date:  May 26th of 2017 On this episode, Steven Kozar interviews Pr. Matt Richard about his new book, "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? 12 False Christs."  The book is available from CPH at:  www.cph.org/RealJesus 

Original Airing Date: May 30, 2017 Details:  Part 1 with Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard, Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Gwiner, ND about his new book "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? 12 False Christs."  To order "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?" go to: www.cph.org/RealJesus

Mark 16:1-8 The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead separates Christianity from all mere religion–whatever its form. Christianity without the literal, physical resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is merely one religion among many. (Al Mohler) 1.) The Opinion of Contemporary Scholarship - “Jesus lived on in the hearts of followers . . . but he did not physically rise from the dead. Taken down from the cross his body was probably buried in a shallow grave – and may have been eaten by wild dogs.” (R. Watson, “A Lesser Child of God,” Newsweek, April 4, 1994) - “So let us say quite specifically: The tomb of Jesus was not empty, but full, and his body did not disappear but rotted away” (Gerd Lüdemann, What Really Happened to Jesus, 135) - “As a Christian I am very comfortable not knowing whether the tomb was empty. Indeed, the discovery of Jesus’ skeletal remains would not be a problem. It does not matter.” (Marcus Borg, “The Irrelevancy of the Empty Tomb,” in Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?, 123-24). - “At the start, as history’s real terror, were [Jesus’] . . . enemies and the dogs. At the end, as faith’s unreal apologetic, were his friends and the spices. But no amount of apologetics can conceal what their intensity only confirms. With regard to the body of Jesus, by Easter morning, those who cared did not know where it was, and those who knew did not care. (J.D. Crossan, Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography, 158, 1994) 2.) An Examination an Ancient Witness (Mark 16:1-8) a.) The power of a strong love for Jesus Christ (16:1-4) b.) The reality of angels as God’s messengers (16:5,6) c.) Jesus’ graciousness is incomprehensible (16:7) d.) We should never be surprised and the power and goodness of God (16:8) 3.) Does it really matter? a.) If Jesus has been raised from the dead, and he has, the church has a mandate to take the gospel across the street and around the world. To fail to be concerned about the salvation of others is to diminish the importance of Jesus’ death and resurrection. b.) If one confesses they believe in the resurrection, then they must live a resurrection life. We should build our lives around the things that matter most to God. To say we believe in the resurrection, but live a casual form of pseudo-Christianity is to denigrate the person and work of Christ. c.) If Jesus’ death could save someone like Mary Magdalene, and it did, it can save you. To gain the whole world and forfeit your soul is in the end to lose everything, but to lose everything for Jesus, is in the end lose nothing and to gain everything!