1. Because of the Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-8

2. Introduction Imagine the Roman soldiers guarding the tombImagine the Roman soldiers guarding the tomb “Cheer up. One more day and the whole thing will blow over and we can go home.”“Cheer up. One more day and the whole thing will blow over and we can go home.” Many do not understand the importance of this eventMany do not understand the importance of this event

3. Because of the Resurrection - - - WE HAVE FORGIVENESSWE HAVE FORGIVENESS Some say Jesus never really diedSome say Jesus never really died When Jesus came from the tomb – the full sin debt was paidWhen Jesus came from the tomb – the full sin debt was paid

4. Because of the Resurrection - - - 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 1 Corinthians 15:15-1715 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 1 Corinthians 15:15-17

5. Because of the Resurrection - - - WE HAVE FORGIVENESSWE HAVE FORGIVENESS WE HAVE AN ETERNAL FUTUREWE HAVE AN ETERNAL FUTURE We can be raised like JesusWe can be raised like Jesus This body is weak, wears outThis body is weak, wears out But that is not the rest of the storyBut that is not the rest of the story

6. Because of the Resurrection - - - 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:19-201 Corinthians 15:19-20

7. Because of the Resurrection - - - 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Corinthians 15:52-531 Corinthians 15:52-53

8. Because of the Resurrection - - - WE HAVE FORGIVENESSWE HAVE FORGIVENESS WE HAVE AN ETERNAL FUTUREWE HAVE AN ETERNAL FUTURE WE SHOULD BE COURAGEOUSWE SHOULD BE COURAGEOUS What can stop one who has eternal life?What can stop one who has eternal life?

9. Because of the Resurrection - - - 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26John 11:25-26

10. Because of the Resurrection - - - 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Romans 1:3-4Romans 1:3-4

11. Because of the Resurrection - - - WE CAN BE FRUITFULWE CAN BE FRUITFUL The resurrection is the greatest tool in evangelism around the worldThe resurrection is the greatest tool in evangelism around the world

12. Because of the Resurrection - - - 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:3-4Romans 6:3-4

13. Because of the Resurrection - - - 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. Ephesians 1:19-21Ephesians 1:19-21

14. Because of the Resurrection - - - A letter to a preacher – “A man said to me that Jesus just fainted on the cross and that the disciples nursed him back to health. How do I answer him? Bewildered”A letter to a preacher – “A man said to me that Jesus just fainted on the cross and that the disciples nursed him back to health. How do I answer him? Bewildered”

15. Because of the Resurrection - - - Preacher wrote back - “Dear Bewildered, Beat this man with a cat-of-nine-tails with 39 heavy strokes, nail him to a cross, hang him in the sun for 6 hours, run a spear through a lung and into his heart, wrap him in a burial shroud, put him in an airless tomb for 36 hours and then ask him what he things about that stupid theory.”Preacher wrote back - “Dear Bewildered, Beat this man with a cat-of-nine-tails with 39 heavy strokes, nail him to a cross, hang him in the sun for 6 hours, run a spear through a lung and into his heart, wrap him in a burial shroud, put him in an airless tomb for 36 hours and then ask him what he things about that stupid theory.”

16. Because of the Resurrection - - - WE HAVE FORGIVENESSWE HAVE FORGIVENESS WE HAVE AN ETERNAL FUTUREWE HAVE AN ETERNAL FUTURE WE SHOULD BE COURAGEOUSWE SHOULD BE COURAGEOUS WE CAN BE FRUITFULWE CAN BE FRUITFUL