A Truth to Wrestle With

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

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“Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19). Jesus said these words on the night He was betrayed by one of His friends, just hours before the Roman governor Pilate would sentence Him to death on a cross. Jesus was preparing to die for all those who would believe in Him, yet He spoke to His friends about life. That’s because Jesus was focused on the other side of Easter.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-8. Today, there are people who deny the resurrection. They ignore the historical evidence and balk at the claims of the Bible. Even worse, some respond to the resurrection with indifference, saying, “Even if He rose from the dead, so what?”

Friends, I want you to know that there is no more important fact of history than the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In fact, your eternal destination depends on how you respond to the Gospel, for no one will enter heaven without believing wholeheartedly that God the Father raised God the Son after three days in the tomb.

On another occasion, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). He said this at the grave of Lazarus, who had been dead four days. Unless you are alive on the day that Jesus returns, you will someday find yourself dead and buried, like Lazarus. But the Good News of Jesus Christ is this: Because Jesus rose from the grave, so will you—if you put your trust in Him. You too will live, even though you die.

Jesus paid for our sins on the cross, but He didn’t stop there. He conquered the grave so that we could have eternal life with Him. That’s why we celebrate Easter. “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,” the old hymn tells us. And it’s true! We have nothing to fear in this life or in death because, in the end, we will rise like Jesus if we know Him and love Him. And that is good news indeed.

If you’ve never really considered whether or not you believe Jesus rose from the dead, don’t waste another moment! Read the Gospel accounts of Christ’s death and resurrection; ask God to open your heart to the Truth; and place your full trust in Jesus today. It will make all the difference in your life—and in the life to come.

Prayer: Lord, help me to grasp the awesome impact of Your resurrection on my life. Help me live with joy and peace, trusting in what glorious promises You have lovingly secured for me through Your death and resurrection. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day . . .” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Jesus Rose from the Dead . . . So What?: 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.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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