About halfway through last week’s message, we discussed the validity of the disciples’ testimony regarding the things they had seen and experienced—including, but not limited
to, Jesus’ death and resurrection—and I shared one of my favorite quotes from Chuck Colson.
For those who might not be familiar with Chuck Colson, he served as an advisor to Richard Nixon, earning the moniker of “hatchet-man,” and was a key player in the Watergate
scandal, which led to President Nixon’s impeachment/resignation, as well as his own prison sentence. After these experiences, God got a hold of Colson’s life, Jesus became
his Savior and Lord, and the Holy Spirit, began to birth within him the ministry that would become Prison Fellowship.
With that little bit as a backdrop, here’s what he had to say:
I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me.
How?
Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it.
Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned, or put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren’t true.
Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world and they couldn’t keep a lie for three weeks.
You’re telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years?
Absolutely impossible.
Hebrews 11:1 tells us:
Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for,
the proof of what is not seen.
The author goes on to tell us (v6):
Now, without faith, it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.
As we journey through the Book of Acts, much conversation will revolve around the third member of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit: who He is, what He did, what He’s doing, and what
He wants to do.
The journey we’re on is going to take faith. I hope you’ll seek Him with me!