He is Good | The Resurrection | Mark 16:1-20 | Coleton Segars

Sermon Summary: The Resurrection Changes Everything 1. A Case for the Resurrection Coleton begins by challenging the assumption that belief in Jesus’ resurrection requires blind faith. Instead, he invites us to consider the evidence—to think critically and honestly about why the resurrection of Jesus has endured throughout history. He introduces a fascinating comparison: the Roman emperor Nero. Nero was powerful, widely known, and ruled the known world—yet today, almost no one has heard of any “resurrection story” about him. In contrast, Jesus was a poor, obscure Jewish carpenter with a short ministry, no political power, and no army—yet His resurrection is known worldwide. Coleton’s point is simple but profound: If false resurrection stories fade into obscurity (like Nero’s), why has Jesus’ resurrection endured and spread across the globe? This forces an honest question: Is it possible that the reason we still talk about Jesus’ resurrection… is because it actually happened? He emphasizes that Jesus does not call people to blind faith. In fact, Jesus rebukes His own disciples—not for lacking blind belief—but for refusing to believe credible eyewitness testimony. Key Scripture: “He rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.” (Mark 16:14) Jesus expected them to weigh the evidence. Coleton connects this to how faith grows: Supporting Scripture: “Consider the lilies of the field… consider the birds of the air…” (Matthew 6) Faith is not anti-thinking—it is formed through considering. Jesus invites us to look at evidence, reflect, and respond. Key Quote: “The question we should all consider is why we’ve ever heard of Jesus… Christianity rose from the dead because Christ did.” – Glen Scrivener Main takeaway: Faith in the resurrection is not a leap into the dark—it’s a step toward the light based on compelling evidence. 2. What the Resurrection Inaugurated in the World Coleton shifts from proving the resurrection to explaining its meaning. He points to a prophetic vision of the world found in Isaiah—a future where everything broken is restored: Key Scripture: “The wolf will live with the lamb… they will neither harm nor destroy… for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord.” (Isaiah 11:6–9) This is a picture of a restored world—like Eden renewed: ● No injustice ● No violence ● No sickness ● No chaos Key Insight: The resurrection of Jesus is not just proof of life after death—it is the beginning of that restored world breaking into our current one. When Jesus speaks after His resurrection, He uses similar imagery: Key Scripture: “These signs will accompany those who believe… they will drive out demons… speak in new tongues… place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (Mark 16:17–18) Jesus is describing a reality where: ● Evil is pushed back ● Healing happens ● Restoration begins Key Quote: “A fresh, wise, healing, restorative order had come to birth.” – N.T. Wright Coleton’s main idea here: The resurrection didn’t just promise a future heaven—it launched a new reality now. Those who follow Jesus begin to experience glimpses of that future restoration in their present lives. He points to examples: ● The early church sharing resources so no one was in need ● Social barriers breaking down (rich/poor, male/female, slave/free) ● People being healed, freed, and transformed Even today, lives are changed—addictions broken, identities restored, relationships healed. Main takeaway: The resurrection means the future kingdom of God is already breaking into the present—and believers can experience it now. 3. How We Should Respond: Expect and Pursue Restoration If the resurrection inaugurated a new reality, then our lives should reflect that. A. Pray with Expectation Jesus taught us to pray for God’s kingdom to come “on earth as it is in heaven.” That means we should: ● Pray for healing ● Pray for restoration ● Pray expecting God to move We are not working against God’s will—we are stepping into what He already started through the resurrection. B. Share the Gospel with Expectation Key Scripture: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel…” (Mark 16:15) Coleton highlights something striking: The disciples were told to share the resurrection even when they themselves struggled to believe it at first. This reminds us: ● Our job is not to convince—just to share ● Some will reject it ● But those who believe can experience transformation Main takeaway: The message of Jesus carries power—when people believe it, their lives can truly change. 4. Don’t Just Believe in Jesus—Follow Him This is one of Coleton’s most important points. Many people believe in Jesus—but don’t experience transformation. Why? Because belief without obedience does not lead to change. He describes ...