1. The Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ  Cornerstone of Christianity.

2. The Empty Tomb

3. The Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ  Cornerstone of Christianity.  Heart of the gospel message. 1 Cor. 1:17-18; 2:1-2; 15:1-4  Faith in Jesus as the Christ demands faith in his bodily resurrection.

4. I. “Christ Died” (1 Cor. 15:3). A.It was a shameful and humiliating death. B.His death was certain. 1.Roman soldiers 2.Eyewitnesses 3.Certurion 4.No signs of life when buried. II.“He Was Buried” (1 Cor. 15:4) A.Buried according to Jewish customs. Jn. 19:40 B.Steps involved in the process. C.Buried in a new tomb. Lk. 23:53 D.Tomb was sealed. Mt.27:62-66

5. III.“He arose again” (15:4) The Empty Tomb

6. III.“He Arose Again” (15:4) A.The importance of the resur. (15:14-19) 1.Preaching is vain (v. 14). 2.Faith is vain (v. 14). 3.Apostles false witnesses (. 15). 4.Still in our sins (v. 17). 5.Dead have perished (v. 18). 6.We are most pitiable (v. 19). B.A look at the facts. C.Eyewitnesses attest to the resurrection! The Empty Tomb

7. Mary was the first to arrive at the tomb!. Then…. Peter and John 12 apostles 500 brethren Paul (15:5-8)

8. IV.What Does the Resurrection Mean? A.It was the final proof that Jesus is the Son of God & Savior. (Rom. 1:4) B.The gospel is the message of salvation. (15:1-4) C.It verifies our justification. (Rom. 3:24-25; 8:33f) D.It demonstrates the power available to us in Christ. (Eph. 1:18-20; Col. 2:11-12; Eph. 3:20; 6:10; Phil. 2:12-13). E.It gives us hope for our own resurrection. (15:20-23; 1 Pet. 1:3). F.It provides the background for the figure and the effect of baptism. (Rom. 6:3-4; 1 Pet. 3:21).

9. G.It provides the reason for a life of devotion in serving Jesus as the Lord. (15:19; 15:58) H.It means that one day we will be raised to stand before God in judgment. (Acts 17:30-31) I.It means the ultimate triumph of the kingdom of Christ. (15:24-26) J.It means there is a reward for faithfulness. (15:58) K.It verifies the truthfulness of what Jesus taught… Conclusion: Our response to the resurrection of Christ determines our eternal destiny. Acceptance of Jesus as the Christ, the resurrected Lord, is the first step toward heaven.