Sermon Tone Analysis

The RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ is the CORNERSTONE of the GOSPEL!

BECAUSE OF THAT, it is attacked, ignored, denied & explained away!

If Christianity is to be destroyed, THIS is the place where it must be abolished—the RESURRECTION!

· According to Barna Research Online, the numbers of identifying as born-again held views contrary to Bible teaching was astonishing.

Among the most surprising outcomes were those who believed the Bible teaches that God helps those who help themselves (68%); that the Holy Spirit does not exist (53%); that Satan does not exist (47%); that a good person can earn his/her way into heaven (31%); that Jesus Christ died but was not resurrected [physically] (30%); and that Jesus committed sins (24%).

The simple fact is, you cannot be saved unless you believe in the resurrection!

· The PROBLEM in Corinth was not disbelief in the resurrection of Christ, but confusion about their own!

· Paul was not trying to convince them that Jesus rose from the dead, but that they would be raised with Him!

In our passage this morning, it seems that Paul is saying, “Let’s assume, for a few moments, that the critics are right and that there was and is no resurrection from the dead—WHAT THEN?

If there is no resurrection, then…

I. Christ is Still DEAD and BURIED! - (15:13, 16)

The Son of God is still BOUND BY DEATH!

· But, according to eyewitness accounts, that is simply NOT TRUE – (Luke 24:33-43)

II.

All Gospel Preaching is VAIN! – (15:14a)

If Christ DIDN’T rise, then all we have to tell of is a DEAD RABBI who tried His best to change men’s lives and ULTIMATELY FAILED.

There is salvation in no one else!

· If Jesus didn’t rise—then we are without hope and preaching is “empty.”

If Jesus didn’t rise, then the Father didn’t approve of His work and His sacrifice was not enough and we have nothing to talk about!

III.

Faith is VAIN and/or WORTHLESS!

– (15:14b, 17)

Preaching is useless & YOUR RESPONSE is in vain!

· Saving faith is not believing “in Jesus” (Pilate did that)!

· Saving faith believes God raised Him from the dead!

Your faith is that CHRIST IS ALIVE & that God WILL RAISE US AS WELL!

IV.

The Apostles were False Witnesses!– (15:15)

They were either telling the TRUTH, or they were LIARS!

· Don’t believe for a minute the liberal based thinking that said they were good religious men writing about their personal experiences but were not always right!

· Good, religious men don’t say they saw Jesus with their own eyes UNLESS IT WAS TRUE!

(1 Corinthians 15:5-11)

You couldn’t be an apostle unless you were an eye-witness to the RESURRECTION!

V. Sin’s Power is UNBROKEN!

– (15:17)

If Christ is not raised, then we are all damned!

Christ came to save us from sin, and If He did not rise, then the blood never made it to the mercy seat!

The reason we KNOW Christ paid the full penalty of sin is the APPROVAL OF GOD in RAISING JESUS FROM THE DEAD

VI.

The Dead in Christ Are Perished!

– (15:18)

Think about it…Peter, James, John Paul, Stephen, Phillip, Mary, Cornelius, Augustine, Luther, D.L. Moody, C.S. Lewis, and every other Saint of God simply ceased to exist!

Their lives were without meaning and purpose and they are just GONE!

VII.

Christians Are the World’s Most Pitiful People – (15:19)

If Christ is not raised, Christians are the biggest buffoons ever!

The “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11 is the “Hall of the Foolish.”

CONCLUSION – (15:20)

1. Christ HAS risen!

2. The Gospel IS POWERFUL!

3. Faith is NOT WORTHLESS!

4. The Apostles TOLD THE TRUTH!

5. Sin’s power IS BROKEN!

6.

The dead in Christ ARE ALIVE WITH HIM!

7. Christians ARE THE MOST GLORIOUS PEOPLE!