In Christ! The Importance of Jesus’ Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Page 1789

Questions: What would you say is the good news? How would you summarize the message of God to us found in the Bible? How would you introduce Jesus to someone that did not know anything about him?

What Do You Do? How do you introduce Jesus and summarize the good news? Would you read his resume? Would you let someone else make the introduction?

Steve Harvey Making an Introduction

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 on page 1789 Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 on page 1789 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 on page For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

The Importance of the Resurrection: It is not just Jesus birth that sets him apart; it is not just his sinless life. Paul reminds us that it is his resurrection that makes the difference. The, was dead but now is not, is the proof of the amazing birth and sinless life and we believe today that the resurrection of Jesus occurred.

Proof of the Resurrection: 1. There wasn’t a motive to lie. 2. The resurrection changed people. – Luke 22:54-62 (Page 1639) records Peter’s denial and Acts 4:1-4 (Page 1696) days later, shows him preaching and getting arrested for it. 3. The resurrection had witnesses. 500 at once in verse 6.

The Empty Tomb: 4. There was and is an empty tomb. No one has ever claimed to have the body of Christ. If the Romans had stolen it they would have benefited by producing it. How would they benefit? If the Jews had taken it they would have gained the power that they tried to protect so why have they not presented the body? If the Christians would have hidden it then they are liars and what would they have to gain in hiding Jesus body? So what other option is left?

Resurrection Proof: 5. The resurrection had immediate impact. – People were changing their lives to follow the risen Lord within days. Acts 2:22-41 (Page 1693) and Matthew 27:51-53 (Page 1548) 6. People told the truth despite the personal impact of the message.

Jesus’ Resurrection: The truth of the resurrection changes our lives and culture in many ways. Jesus has influenced all aspects of our life. …

He Empowers Us: Jesus’ resurrection empowers us to live a changed life as well and that is good news. Make some time to share it with someone this week.