Belief on Trial

In this Easter sermon on John 20-21, Pastor Mark argues that the resurrection gives believers the greatest confidence in the person and work of Jesus, yet that confidence is often resisted by four barriers exposed in the resurrection narratives: misunderstanding the resurrection even while seeing its evidence (John 20:1-10), looking for life among dead things instead of in the living Christ (John 20:11-18), willful disbelief that keeps demanding more proof (John 20:24-29), and forgetting that Jesus' resurrection means the redemption and restoration of the whole person, as seen in Peter's recommissioning (John 21:15-19). Anchored in John 20:31, the sermon calls the church to stop disbelieving, hear Christ's voice, and live in the confidence that because Jesus is alive, forgiveness, identity, mission, and true life are all found in him.

00:00 Scripture Reading – John 20:1–18, 24–29

04:02 Introduction

09:37 The Resurrection Gives Confidence in Jesus

10:46 Belief on Trial

17:13 Resurrection Barrier #1 – Misunderstanding the Resurrection

23:10 Resurrection Barrier #2 – Looking for Life Among the Dead

30:35 Resurrection Barrier #3 – Willful Disbelief

40:27 Resurrection Barrier #4 – The Resurrection Resurrects Everything

47:20 Written So That You May Believe

48:32 Closing Prayer