There’s something from last Sunday’s resurrection messages that I can’t get off my mind.  On Sunday morning, we considered “Resurrection Truth,” four statements showing the power and importance of Christ’s resurrection.  Then, Sunday evening we studied the topic, “The Resurrection: Fact or Fiction?”  This was an apologetical look at the resurrection, debunking the false theories many skeptics embrace, and of course we confirmed that His resurrection is absolute fact.  In both messages, as well as Wednesday night’s study, one thing really jumped out at me: the incredible transformation of the Lord’s disciples once the truth of the resurrection gripped them.  The gospel accounts show us a group after the crucifixion that doubted, feared, floundered, and weren’t quite sure what to do.  But then something changed.  There were personal encounters with the Risen Lord.  There were His assurances of His presence and the promise of the power of the Holy Spirit.  And then we read the book of Acts.  What a different bunch!  They couldn’t be contained, wouldn’t be silenced, and didn’t back down in the face of opposition, persecution, and even martyrdom.  There’s a lesson here for us, isn’t there?  The truth of the resurrection wasn’t just for the disciples.  We have the same risen and powerful Lord.  We can have a personal encounter with Him every day through His Word.  We are assured of his “always” presence.  We have His Holy Spirit to lead and empower us.  Do we allow this to grip us as it did the disciples?  Then why do we worry; why do we quit; why do we give in to temptation; why do we turn our backs on His will; why?  The Apostle Paul said it well: “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection” (Philippians 3:10).  May the truth of Christ’s resurrection grip us, change us, and move us to live boldly for His glory in this world that needs Him.