- [00:00:00] In 2010, there was a catastrophic collapse at the San Jose copper-gold mine in Chile, South America. Thirty-three miners were trapped underground for a staggering 69 days in complete darkness, cold, and despair. Families waited anxiously above ground, praying for a miracle as the world watched. Eventually, rescuers drilled a small hole to reach the miners, and one by one, they were lifted to safety. When the rescue capsule broke through and the first miner emerged alive, the crowd erupted in joy with cries of \"¡Está vivo!\" meaning \"He’s alive!\" - [00:00:50] This story parallels a much greater event recorded in the Bible. Jesus Christ, who everyone thought was dead and killed, came alive and presented Himself to His disciples. Last week, we saw the death of Jesus on the cross; today, we focus on His resurrection, described by John Obin as “the death of death in the death of Christ.” Jesus overcame death, the ultimate enemy. - [00:01:36] Death is a dreadful experience, especially the loss of a loved one. It affects us physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Although people often say \"time heals,\" in reality, time does not erase the pain. We feel lost, numb, heartbroken, and alone. The void left by a loved one is irreplaceable, particularly when that person was very dear to us. - [00:02:29] The disciples experienced this same anguish. Jesus was not just a teacher to them; He was someone they lived with for three years, witnessed performing miracles, and from whom they learned profound truths. Yet, they also witnessed His brutal death by crucifixion—one of history’s most shameful and agonizing executions. One disciple betrayed Him, another denied Him thrice, and most deserted Him. Their grief and confusion were raw and overwhelming. - [00:03:20] Yet, just three days after Jesus’ death, as the disciples gathered, Jesus appeared to them, resurrected and alive. This event was extraordinary. Jesus was the first and only person to conquer death and return to life, presenting Himself to credible witnesses over an extended period. - [00:04:19] Jesus’ death was accompanied by cosmic disturbances—earthquakes, darkness, and chaos. However, His resurrection occurred quietly in the early hours of Sunday morning. This resurrection is unique to Christianity; no other religion or philosophy claims a living God who overcame death. This truth distinguishes Christianity: we worship a living God, Jesus Christ, who conquered sin, shame, guilt, and death itself. - [00:05:57] The apostle Paul boldly declares, “O death, where is your sting?” The deepest desire of someone who has lost a loved one is to know when they will see them again. No other worldview offers a definitive answer except Jesus Christ. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem, and later to His gathered disciples, offering peace. - [00:07:28] Today’s sermon is titled \"Encounter to Missions: Experiencing the Risen Christ, Knowing the Risen Christ, and Proclaiming the Risen Christ.\" How can we experience Jesus today? How can we truly know the risen Christ? And why should we proclaim Him to others? - [00:08:14] When Jesus appeared to the disciples, His first words were \"Peace to you.\" The term peace here is derived from the Hebrew word \"shalom,\" which means wholeness and restoration. When we lose a loved one or endure trauma, our lives feel shattered and incomplete. Jesus offers peace—restoring psychological, spiritual, and often physical wholeness. - [00:08:50] The disciples were startled, frightened, and doubted what they saw. They thought Jesus was a spirit and struggled to comprehend His resurrection body. Jesus addressed their fears and doubts directly: He showed them His hands and feet, inviting them to touch Him, proving He was not a ghost but had flesh and bones. - [00:09:33] Jesus asked them to look intently at Him—not just a cursory glance but a deep, investigative gaze. The Greek language distinguishes between simple looking (\"bleo\") and deep seeing (\"oro\"). Jesus wanted them to truly understand who He was. - [00:10:51] The disciples saw Jesus’ glorified body—one that could pass through walls and appear mysteriously yet bore the wounds from the crucifixion. This is a powerful affirmation for believers: those we love who have suffered will be restored in their best and most glorious form in the resurrection. - [00:12:45] Jesus not only allowed them to touch Him but also ate a piece of broiled fish in their presence, emphasizing His physical resurrection and His desire for fellowship. He was not merely a spiritual presence but a living, tangible person desiring relationship. - [00:13:24] This encounter dispelled the disciples’ doubts, filling their hearts with joy and transforming their lives. Experiencing union with the resurrected Christ is more than forgiveness of sins; it is the beginning of a joyful, ongoing relationship that restores wholeness. We all carry brokenness, fears, and anxieties, but through Christ, these can be healed. - [00:14:44] Discipleship is a daily journey of allowing the resurrected Jesus to transform our hearts—addressing fears, doubts, idols, and sins—not through self-effort but by the power of Christ. Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:16-21 asks God to enlighten believers with the power that raised Christ from the dead, enabling us to live spiritually alive and whole. - [00:17:21] This resurrecting power breaks spiritual death and transforms our brokenness into wholeness, giving hope for both this life and the next. We will be reunited with our loved ones in God\'s presence. - [00:19:13] Jesus did not leave His disciples to figure this out alone. He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, showing how everything written in the Law, Prophets, and Psalms pointed to Him. Although we cannot see Jesus physically today, we can know Him through Scripture. - [00:20:25] Many struggle to understand the Old Testament and miss how it reveals Christ throughout. The Bible is like a spiritual \"visor\"—a tool to help us navigate the challenges and suffering of life by revealing Christ’s power and presence. - [00:22:04] Jesus explained to the disciples on the road to Emmaus how their hearts burned within them as He opened the Scriptures. This burning heart is the experience of encountering Christ through the Bible. - [00:23:21] There are numerous ways to see Christ in the Old Testament: redemptive history, covenant promises, typology, fulfillment of prophecy, and more. The Bible portrays real people with real failures, allowing us to identify with their brokenness and see how Christ intervenes. - [00:25:45] The Bible’s realism, including stories of failure and sin, makes it relatable. God’s covenants reveal a grace that does not depend on human perfection but on God’s initiative to restore relationship. - [00:26:55] Promises in the Old Testament find fulfillment in Christ, and New Testament passages affirm Christ’s presence from the beginning. Understanding this enriches our faith and helps us connect Scripture to our life’s struggles. - [00:28:48] The apostle John reminded believers that Jesus was tangible—heard, seen, and touched. This reality strengthens faith and encourages connecting deeply with Scripture. - [00:30:18] Experiencing the resurrected Christ through His Word brings healing and wholeness. Without this, people often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like addictions or therapy. Christ’s resurrection power rebuilds broken lives. - [00:31:36] To experience this, believers need community, teaching, and consistent engagement with God’s Word. It\'s important to be faithful in small groups and lifelong learning, not merely random Bible reading. - [00:32:54] Charles Spurgeon famously said, “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” In a world full of distractions, prioritizing Scripture study is vital. J. I. Packer called knowing God “the highest science, the loftiest speculation, and the mightiest philosophy.” - [00:34:13] Experiencing the risen Christ is not just for knowing but for proclaiming. Jesus commanded His disciples to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name to all nations, starting from Jerusalem. - [00:34:47] The disciples went from fear to fearless because they experienced the power of the resurrected Christ. Peter, despite denying Jesus thrice, was restored and boldly proclaimed the resurrection. Stephen preached powerfully and was martyred. Judas was replaced by Paul, who famously encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and spread the gospel across the known world. - [00:39:20] Thomas, the doubter, took the gospel east to India, where he was martyred. This global mission began with ordinary people transformed by an extraordinary encounter with the risen Christ. - [00:40:29] Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations is not optional but a mandate for all His followers. If He has restored us, it is only right to share this life-changing message. - [00:41:14] Research shows 80% of non-churchgoers would attend if invited, yet only 60% of Christians have invited anyone recently. Fear, rejection, and perceived responsibility hinder many from sharing their faith. But simple, personal invitations can be powerful. - [00:42:30] Inviting someone is not a sales pitch but an offer of hope, community, and relationship. If someone has invited you, you understand its impact. Christians are encouraged to pray for boldness and start with family or neighbors. - [00:43:45] The speaker shared about discipleship groups in Germany, highlighting three young women who became passionate missionaries serving in Papua New Guinea, Japan, and Central Asia. These stories inspire young adults to consider missions as a life calling. - [00:45:56] Marriage and mission are intertwined—choosing a partner aligned with God’s purpose is crucial. The goal is not pleasure but fulfilling God’s plan together. - [00:47:09] Many parents desire successful, comfortable lives for their children, but spiritual calling and missions are equally important. The speaker shared a story of a pastor whose family initially struggled with his ministry decision but later accepted God’s plan. - [00:48:22] The pain of an empty chair at the family table is universal. The disciples experienced this, but the risen Christ’s presence and promise of reunion bring comfort. Every communion service rehearses this reunion. - [00:48:57] Jesus ascended to the right hand of God, unseen but present, blessing His people and inviting all to trust in Him until faith becomes sight.