The Reality Of The Resurrection

1 CORINTHIANS 15:14-24 THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION 1 CORINTHIANS 15:14-24 THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION 1 CORINTHIANS 15:14-24 THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION Why is the resurrection so important? If Jesus didn’t rise, then … ‣ our preaching is empty and our faith has no basis (v14) ‣ the apostles lied and testified against God (v15) ‣ your faith is useless and you are still in your sins (v17) ‣ at physical death, Christians perish forever (v17) ‣ we have no hope beyond this life (v19) ‣ people should feel sorry for us (v19) 1 CORINTHIANS 15:14-24 THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION What evidence exists for Jesus’ resurrection? 1. #1. Eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ appearance after his death. ‣ on 12 separate occasions, Jesus appeared to individuals and groups (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) ‣ on one occasion, Jesus was seen by over 500 people at once (1 Corinthians 15:6) 1 CORINTHIANS 15:14-24 THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION What evidence exists for Jesus’ resurrection? 1. #1. Eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ appearance after his death. # 2. #2. No dead body was ever found. ‣ the guarded tomb (Matthew 27:62-66; 28:11-15) ‣ the grave cloths (Luke 24:12; John 20:6-8) 1 CORINTHIANS 15:14-24 THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION What evidence exists for Jesus’ resurrection? 1. #1. Eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ appearance after his death. 2. #2. No dead body was ever found. 1. 3. #3. The disciples died for their beliefs. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:14-24 THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION What evidence exists for Jesus’ resurrection? 1. #1. Eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ appearance after his death. 2. #2. No dead body was ever found. 3. #3. The disciples died for their beliefs. 4. 1. #4. The conversion of Jewish people. ‣ thousands of Jews (Acts 2:41,47; 4:4; 5:14; 6:1; 9:31) ‣ a great crowd of priests (Acts 6:7) 1 CORINTHIANS 15:14-24 THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION What evidence exists for Jesus’ resurrection? 1. #1. Eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ appearance after his death. 2. #2. No dead body was ever found. 3. #3. The disciples died for their beliefs. 4. #4. The conversion of Jewish people. 1. #5. The conversion of skeptics. ‣ Jesus’ half brothers, James and Jude (Matthew 13:55; Mark 3:21; John 7:5) ‣ Saul, who later became Paul (Acts 9:1-6, 22:1-16) 1 CORINTHIANS 15:14-24 THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION Why is the resurrection so important? Since Jesus did rise, then … ‣ our preaching is credible and our faith is substantive (v14) ‣ the apostles were truthful and testified with God (v15) ‣ your faith counts, bringing forgiveness and justification (v17) ‣ at physical death, Christians continue to live forever (v17) ‣ we have hope beyond this life (v19) ‣ we are so blessed (v19) 1 CORINTHIANS 15:14-24 THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION How will you respond to the invitation of the Lord Jesus? Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25–26 ESV)