Many people today buy into the false belief that all religions are the same. In their ignorance, they proclaim that all religions teach similar things, lead to the same God, and have equally venerable founders. But did Buddha rise from the dead? Is Muhammad’s tomb empty? Has Krishna walked out of his grave?

The answer is a resounding no. Only Jesus has surprised the world when He rose from the dead, in great power and glory, so that all may come to know that He is the only one who guarantees our resurrection unto eternal life.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-8. In this passage, we read that hundreds of people witnessed Christ’s resurrection. But despite their collective testimony, many people throughout history have still denied the physical resurrection of Jesus. They are dead set on refuting this historical fact—in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Some of the most fervent objectors of the resurrection were the very people that Jesus had come to save: the Jews. In Acts 18 alone, we see the Jews opposing the apostles’ proclamation of the Gospel on three separate occasions, even to the point of violence (see Acts 18:6, 12).

Today’s culture is no different. Though evidence of Christ’s resurrection is overwhelming, we know that Satan has blinded the minds of unbelievers to keep them from seeing the glory of Christ and the Truth of the Gospel. When Jesus returns to judge the world, they will certainly be surprised.

Christ’s resurrection established Him as the only one who is qualified to judge every human being who has ever lived. He is the only one who can save us from our sins and give us eternity. We must ask ourselves, “When I stand before the courts of heaven, will I be able to say that I placed my whole faith in Jesus Christ, the only crucified and risen Lord?”

When Christ returns, all who believe in Him will have the great joy of being surprised by His love rather than His judgment. For now, we know Him only in part—but when completeness comes, we shall know fully, even as we are fully known (see 1 Corinthians 13:9-12). 

Prayer: Jesus, Your love is astounding. Thank You for Your love displayed on the cross. Thank You for opening my eyes to the Truth of Your resurrection. Help me to point others to You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Surprised by Hope: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.



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