Answers

1st Peter 3:15
As we enter the Christmas season, I'm reminded that the true gift of Christmas was found in an empty tomb on Easter. I have a burden on my heart to insure that all Christians have the ability to defend their beliefs and the cause of Christ, from those who seek to undermine its life changing, life giving truth. Satan and his agents, agnostics skeptics and atheists all seem to want to attack the validity of the Resurrection. It is the one thing, more than any other that validates Christ’s claims as Messiah. To be prepared is to be armed. The bible teaches us to be ready to give an answer for why we hope in Christ. (1st Peter 3:15) It is with that in mind, that for the next few days, I want to go over and give everyone my Top 10 reasons for believing in the resurrection. As much as possible, I will give scriptural references and sources to each point. This list is also an evangelical tool. It will provide you with another item to reach people for the Lord.
(1) The execution was public. Nothing was hidden.
The events leading up to the crucifixion are facts of history. Matthew says he was scourged (beaten with a whip). This had sharp pieces of bone and metal woven into its end. Most men didn't survive this torture. It would likely flay strips of flesh from the back and sides. There would have been a significant loss of blood and shock would set in. Next, what was left of him, was beaten with fists, crowned with thorns and forced to carry the cross member, till he crumbled in the street. (Mat. 27:26 to 31) Death by crucifixion, was a death by suffocation and loss of blood. The victim was forced to push up on the nail in the bones of their feet just to get a breath of air. Speaking would have been very difficult, yet he did, after all scripture was to be fulfilled. He only lasted a short time. (Mat.27:50) That was why they wanted to break his legs, to speed it up. (John 19:32) In John 19:34 tells us he was stabbed in the heart. From which blood and "Water" flowed. This indicated he was quite dead. Post-mortem lividity had set in. The blood had separated.
This was all done in full view of the public. There can be NO doubt that he was truly dead. This is critical, because these same witnesses were alive and available to refute the apostles’ claims that he rose from the grave. In the next few days we address 9 more. Let us pray:
Lord the amazing truth of your resurrection is the most attacked set of facts in history. We know it is because of how we live and who we live for hangs in the balance. My God, we have chosen you! We want to see others come to you as well. Not for any selfish reason, but for King and Kingdom. You are GOD most high. We marvel in your Glory! Teach your children oh Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.