In our text, Paul tells us to "Remember that Jesus Christ… was raised from the dead…" Remember! Don't forget! Don't let this slide into the back of your mind as a mere fact of doctrine! Keep this important to you! Paul goes on to say that this truth, when kept in the forefront of our minds, supplies us with important dynamics for our lives. We can expect trouble from the world when we dedicate ourselves to this message. We can expect power from God's Word to do things which will change other people's lives forever. We can always find motivation to persevere in the work of the gospel.

To help us remember, as Paul instructs us, let's look at the story, found in Luke 24:13-49.

The Gospel is…

Good News that is Glorious

The Scriptures not only foretold Christ's death, but also foretold His future glory (Luke 24:25-26 cp. John 7:39; 12:16,23 - See also Isaiah 45:21-25 cp. Philippians 2:5-11; John 17:1-5).

Good News that is Documented

Men were surprised, but this was well-planned by God. Christ's death and resurrection have been described carefully hundreds of years before (Luke 24:27, 44-46 cp Psalm 22:1-31; Isaiah 53:1-12).

Good News that is Life-changing

"Eyes opened," "Hearts burned," and a calling to spread the news (Luke 24:31-32,47-48 cp. II Corinthians 5:14-21).

Good News that requires patience and divine power

A calling to spread the good news is urgent, important business, but must not be handled hastily or impulsively. Divine power and presence are needed and promised (Luke 24:49).

Note: "endued with power" is also translated "clothed with power." Do not go out to do God's work undressed (Romans 13:14; Ephesians 6:10-19).

These few gleanings from Luke 24 cause us to examine ourselves - to examine our response to the good news of the gospel:

• Do we focus on the glorious goodness of the Gospel?


• Do we search the documentation of the Gospel?


• Has the Gospel changed us, amazed us, motivated us?


• Have we learned to wait on the Lord for guidance and power? (Individually and as a church)