Scripture Reading: Acts 26:24–27
Introduction
A. Because we have seen deception exposed so many times, we tend to listen to outrageous stories with suspicion.
B. Paul asked his audience why it should seem impossible to them for God to raise the dead (v 8). Can we believe that He can?
Discussion
I. The resurrection has been difficult for a lot of people to believe.
A. The Gentiles found it hard to believe (Acts 26:8, 24).
B. In spite of a favorable predisposition (vv 6–7), the Jews also found it unbelievable.
C. Paul himself once found it hard to accept (vv 9–11).
D. This was true even of the disciples at first (Luke 24:11, 40–43).
E. It is even more difficult for people today to believe.
II. Should it be incredible?
A. We need to remember that we are talking about the same God who spoke the world into existence (John 1:3).
B. If God can grant life to begin with, surely He can restore life that is lost (Acts 26:22–23).
C. Paul believed God could also restore life to the spiritually dead (Acts 26:18, 27–28; Ephesians 2:4–6; Colossians 2:11–13; Romans 6:3–5).
Conclusion
A. God demonstrated His power to restore life when He raised up Jesus, and He can do the same for us all (Ephesians 1:19–20; 2:5–6).
B. What would it take to persuade you today to let God bring you back from the dead? Do you believe?