Life-Changing Encounters!

Bottom Line: The resurrections of Christ is the greatest event in human history. It powerfully declares God's love for us and His desire to pursue us, deliver us, and change us by the power of Jesus' death and resurrection.

1. Jesus' encounter with the thief on the cross. Matthew 27:44

Initial heart condition: Mocked Jesus

Life Change: Jesus Remembers Me; Luke 23:41-43

The Thief: Demonstrates the power of God's amazing grace!

"We must never forget the thief of the cross. He is often used as an encouraging example of a "deathbed" conversation, but certainly, much more is involved. Instead of seizing his last opportunity to be saved, perhaps it was his first opportunity! And think of the courage needed to confess to Christ openly before that derisive mob. However, when one interprets the passage, one thing is clear; where there is life, there is hope." Wiersbe

2. Jesus' encounter with the Roman centurion. Mark 15:20,39

Initial heart condition: Crucified Jesus

Life change: Truly this man was the Son of God; Mark 15:38-39

The Centurion: Validates the universal invitation of God's good news!

3. Jesus' encounter with Thomas the Disciple. John 20:23

Initial heart condition: Hardened heart of disbelief.

Life change: My Lord and my God; John 20:28

Thomas the Disciple: Highlights Jesus

invitation to evaluate the evidence and work through your doubts!

Jesus invites all of us to evaluate the evidence like he did with Thomas...

Belief - Life Changing Faith:

Placing your faith in the fact that Jesus died on the cross to pay for the wrongs (sins) that you have committed and, in response, deciding to live your life for Him! Ephesians 2:8-9