1. Jesus Christ is alive Acts 2 22-41

2. Before the resurrection The trauma and grief of the disciples After the resurrection and throughout the rest of the New Testament, it is amazing that these deep reactions are not present - no sense of outrage nor revenge nor self-pity - no sense of loss at Jesus Christ not being physically present -only a few references to Jesus Christ’s physical agonies on the cross

3. Before the cross and resurrection The “impossible” obstacles preventing the cross and resurrection from taking place: On the human level On the Divine level

4. Before the cross and resurrection The two events that have to take place: 1. There has to be a sin-bearer dying on a human cross to pay the full ransom price for the removal of eternal sin before a holy God. 2. There has to be a resurrection of the human victim, to show that God’s justice is satisfied and that the sacrifice has been and is acceptable to God. If the sacrifice is not acceptable, then there can be no resurrection.

5. Peter’s Sermon: The Crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth 22-33 God’s actions through Jesus of Nazareth 22 He was arrested crucified and killed 23 God’s predetermined plan and foreknowledge 23 Christ offered Himself to be the sacrifice to put away sin for ever John 10:18 The crucial issue – Did Jesus Christ ever sin? Was He sinless? Did He possess the “righteousness equivalent” to God’s own righteousness’’? (Romans 3:21-26)

6. Peter’s Sermon: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day But God raised Him up from the dead (Romans 4:25) He destroyed the power of death – “it was not possible for Him to be held by deaths power” 24 We are all witnesses that He is alive 33 He is exalted at the right hand of God – He is Lord 33 He has poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit on all believers 33 We who are sinners are ALL responsible for Jesus having to die on the cross to put away sin.

7. Peter’s Sermon: Jesus Christ is Exalted and is the Risen Lord He is exalted to the right hand of God 33 The evidence of this the presence here today of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus Christ sent from heaven 33 We who are sinners are ALL responsible for Jesus having to die on the cross to put away sin.

8. Peter’s Sermon: Our response to the message of the cross and resurrection 2:37-41 Repentance and faith 38 Blessings: Forgiveness of sins, Life in Christ through the Holy Spirit, a new people of God 38 Living hope 1 Peter 1:3-4 The Basis: Christ’s great victories in both the cross and resurrection “Save yourself from this corrupt generation” 40 3000 people responded and were eternally saved.

9. Romans 8:32-39 32 Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? Will God? No! He is the one who has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? Will Christ Jesus? No, for he is the one who died for us and was raised to life for us and is sitting at the place of highest honor next to God, pleading for us. 35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death?

10. Romans 8:32-39 36 (Even the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep." ) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. 39 Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.