The Case for the Resurrection

Introduction

Today I want to speak with you about the single greatest event in human history. The resurrection of Jesus Christ.

How can you tell that something has really happened? Take the event of man walking on the moon for the first time, none of us were there but we accept it as really happening or how about when Columbus discovered America, or natural disasters that have happened such as hurricane Katrina and Haiti.

Just like in any case, you have to prove it is true. When charges are brought against someone in the court of law there are certain things that are included such as...

opening statements

eyewitness accounts

ala-byes

Closing arguments

The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians addresses an audience which not only is starting to believe Christ hasn’t risen from the dead but don’t believe anyone can rise from the dead. they were simply saying “Dead.men.dont.rise.” Today I want to share with you how we can be confident and have hope in not only the resurrection of Jesus but, also our own resurrection. Sometimes we can let doubts seek in through the influence of the culture around us.

We see the Apostle Paul makes a case for the resurrection as he was speaking to those who were starting to fall away. Let’s read it.

Our text today is .

The opening statement

Paul begins his defense by addressing them as “brothers and sisters” and reminding them of the gospel. Now a reminder is a good thing we all forget some things even really important things such as where did we put our wallet or purse or where did we put our car keys. Jesus even reminds us to “remember Him” as we are commanded to partake of the sacrament of communion as he says “do this in rememberance of me”. As we remember his death though we seem to forget the full gospel that he lived, died on the cross for our sins and that he got off that cross, was buried and rose again in three days! As humans we are more attracted to the darkness rather than the light. In our flesh We are more attracted to hear the gossip of darkness rather then the good news of hope.

Paul continues on to say that this gospel of Jesus “which you recieved and on which you have taken your stand” So what does it mean to “take a stand on the gospel”? Here is a story....

1000 Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching Standing By

The late Dr. Daniel A. Poling told of being in Boston when he received word that young Clark was desperately ill. He rushed home to discover his son needed surgery. The little fellow, quite young, was afraid. Finally, the wistful boy said, “Daddy, I will do it if you stay with me.” Poling promised him he would. Clark was wheeled into the operating room. The doctors and nurses assured Poling his son would be all right, and for him to wait outside. They did not want him in the operating room. But he persisted and stayed. Later, as Clark roused from anesthesia, his first words were: “Daddy, did you stay by?”

1000 Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching Standing By

The late Dr. Daniel A. Poling told of being in Boston when he received word that young Clark was desperately ill. He rushed home to discover his son needed surgery. The little fellow, quite young, was afraid. Finally, the wistful boy said, “Daddy, I will do it if you stay with me.” Poling promised him he would. Clark was wheeled into the operating room. The doctors and nurses assured Poling his son would be all right, and for him to wait outside. They did not want him in the operating room. But he persisted and stayed. Later, as Clark roused from anesthesia, his first words were: “Daddy, did you stay by?”

“Dear Lord,” added Poling, “suppose I hadn’t?”

We stand by the gospel because God stood by us, on a cross. He stood by us when he took the nails in his hands and feet. He stood by us when he said not my will but your will be done, he stood by us when he rose from the dead and defeated death and gave us victory on the cross. This is why we stand.

By this gospel we are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. v2.

This is the gospel in which we are saved. Salvation isnt found in a concept it is found in Jesus Christ.

The central theme of the gospel is given here (v. 3-4)

The Wesleyan Bible Commentary, Volume 5: Romans–Philemon V. Paul’s Treatment of the Doctrine of the Resurrection (I Cor. 15:1–58)

The great theologian and Church Father St. Augustine said that the mind of man will never rest until it rests in God, and God is Himself eternal life.

Eternal life was resident in man before the fall, but it was lost through that greatest of all world tragedies.

Man cannot save himself. We cannot even draw near to him unless His Spirit gives us the grace to do so. We are being regenerated every day because of the damage sin has caused. Just as body needs to heal from an injury as dead skin cells are replaced by new and alive ones. Thats how it is with us spiritual as we need to take care of our soul by feeding and nurturing it.

Paul says we need to hold “firmly” to our salvation. Some translations say it as “hold fast” because I see it as how the disciples were in the boat during a storm and winds were blowing in every direction and they were so afraid and Jesus asked them where is your faith? There are going to be storms in this life and all kinds of things competing for our attention but if we just hold on to the anchor of our souls and the author of our faith Jesus Christ then we will be alright.

The central theme of the gospel is given here (v. 3-4)

For I delivered unto you of first importance

Christ died for our sins, just as the scriptures said

He was buried

He was raised on the third day, just as the scriptures said

The eye witness accounts

(v. 5-10) He talked, He touched and he ate with them, notice he didn’t go to his enemies first.

i. Peter () He denied Christ when he was in his natural body

ii. The twelve () with the doubting Thomas

iii. The five hundred at once (1 Corinthians 15:6)

iv. James -He was the half brother of Jesus and didn’t believe he was the Christ until after he appeared to him. See

v. Paul () called Saul here has his conversion experience on Damascus road.

Closing argument

v. 9-11

Paul calls himself the least of the apostles

Paul emphasized the undeserved grace given to him by God

Paul mentioned how God had to work harder on him because of his past

Paul mentions it doesnt matter who preaches because we preach the same message

The Verdict

He is not here. He has Risen. Jesus is guilty of his resurrection

i. Christ is not risen from the dead (v. 12-13)

How could Jesus save us if he couldn’t save himself? Jesus would just not in mans timing.

ii. Our preaching and faith is meaningless (v. 14)

iii. We testify falsely in the name of God (v. 15-16) He is the truth

iv. We are still in our sins (v. 17) Compare with - who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Jesus raising from the dead was God’s declaration of acceptance of his sons sacrafice

v. Those who have died in Christ have perished (v. 18) Our hope is in Christ and we will be raised up from glory to glory

vi. Those who have hope in Christ are the post pitiful of all men (v. 19) Those who put their hope in Christ are the most joyful