LEAVE A MARK - Resurrection Reality

Jesus' resurrection is a validation of the truth of Christianity.  Mark reminds us of this truth,  But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. Mark 16:6  

Anyone who wants to deny the actual resurrection of Jesus two thousand years ago has to deny too much. According to Knofel Staton they would have to deny:

• the fact that no one in the 1st century denied the historical resurrection of Jesus
  
• the crowds that saw Jesus, talked with Him, ate with Him, and touched Him after He arose
  
• the beginning of the Church, rather than the ending of a movement
  
• the change in the lives of the apostles from being terrified to being courageous
  
• the fact that the soldiers were paid a large sum of money in order to make up a lie conerning the disappearance of Jesus' body
  
• the fact that 50 days later in Jerusalem, which was crowded with many people who had been there for the crucifixion and many of whom evidently saw the resurrection, did not, less than 2 months later, deny the resurrection when Peter preached that tremendous sermon affirming it
  
• the fact that years later when Paul spoke to Felix and Festus about the resurrection, they did not deny its reality

Historical reality affirms that Jesus arose from the grave.  And the testimony of witnesses affirms that He ascended into Heaven.  He prophesied He would - and He did!