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Proofs of Christ's Resurrection
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe evidence of Jesus Christ's life and death is substantiated by credible eyewitnesses. Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Sanhedrin, Pilate, the Roman governor, and the centurion in charge of crucifixions—all men of authority and experience—confirmed beyond doubt that Jesus was dead. Their expertise in discerning life from death, especially the centurion's familiarity with battlefields and executions, leaves no room for error in their testimony. Joseph, having handled the body during embalming and burial, further verified the absence of life over several hours. The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as a pivotal historical event, supported by multiple accounts within the early writings. No human witnessed the moment He awoke from death in the sealed tomb, but the post-resurrection appearances were documented by disciples who saw Him alive—walking, speaking, eating, preaching, and commanding. They touched Him, heard His voice, and spent extended periods with Him during the forty days following His resurrection. Witnesses, including Mary Magdalene and others, observed the empty tomb, with the stone rolled away and the seal intact, alongside guards who also saw the divine intervention that occurred. Numerous documents, written by eight or nine men who were either eyewitnesses or close associates of those who saw Jesus after His resurrection, provide independent accounts of His death, burial, and return to life. Most of these writings emerged within fifteen to forty years of the events, within the lifetime of the witnesses, and have been corroborated by historical and archaeological findings, verifying individuals, locations, and events described. Even enemies of these authors acknowledged the reality of Jesus' crucifixion under Pilate outside Jerusalem, affirming the historical basis of His death. The testimony of over five hundred people who saw Jesus alive at one time, alongside the four distinct gospel accounts, exceeds the legal and academic standard of requiring multiple witnesses to establish a fact. The empty tomb, despite being guarded and sealed, could not be refuted by producing a body, which would have easily disproved the resurrection claims. Instead, the disciples, transformed from fear to boldness, proclaimed His resurrection even under persecution and martyrdom, demonstrating unwavering conviction in what they witnessed. The candid nature of these accounts, including embarrassing details about the disciples and accusations against Jesus, underscores their commitment to truth over fabrication. Their interactions with the risen Jesus—touching His wounds, walking and eating with Him—provide strong evidence of the reality of His physical presence after death. This resurrection not only signifies the covering of sins through His death but also offers hope of eternal life, as He lives and works from heaven, promising a future resurrection for those who believe.
John (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEven many extra-biblical sources such as Tacitus, Seconius, Justin Martyr, Pliny, and Josephus corroborate and validate the biblical accounts of Jesus.

Without Me, Nothing! (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe first and last words of Jesus Christ in the book of John are to 'follow Me,' directed at His disciples then and now.
John (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe apostle John has provided at least eight separate forms of witness, establishing the veracity of Jesus Christ's identity as God in the flesh.