1 Corinthians 15:13-20 (NLT)

For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.15 And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. 16 And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. 18 In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! 19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.

The Big Idea: A strong reality births a strong hope

The reality of Jesus’ resurrection in history, his multiple and documented appearances after his crucifixion, and the catalytic affect of that on the world is both unmatched and unrepeatable. Only one man in all of history said he would defy death and did. That is what we call a game changer.

Other religious figures had talked a good game, said some good things, and garnered some followers with their charm but no one ever validated it by declaring in advance they would rise from the dead.

Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body.

Personal Take Away

All hope connected to Christ is connected to the reality that he defeated death and rose in history. The implication of that is simple and profound in this moment if you believe in his person and work – you RISE TOO. If he didn’t, all your sins remain unforgiven, all your hope of eternal life is gone, and all pity should be given to us because of our sad delusions. But Paul was a witness to the contrary and speaks with clarity, authority, and expectation.

“BUT in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.”

That is the powerful reality and the powerful hope of Easter