1 CORINTHIANS 15:21-26 (NLT)

So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. 22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back. 24 After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power. 25 For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet. 26 And the last enemy to be destroyed is death

BIG IDEA: A strong choice creates strong consequences.

Ground zero.

Two men. Two “gardens” of decision. Two choices. Two massive blast zones of consequences for others. Creation, fall, and redemption can be summarized under the heading of choices and consequences. It’s astonishing to think that the biggest wheels of history turn on the small axels of two men and the spiritual blast zone of their choices.

Every person who has ever lived or will live is ACT II of this cosmic story spanning all ages, cultures, and peoples right through to this moment with you. People either belong to Adam or they belong to Christ. Depending on that connection those same people also belong to the spiritual consequences of the decisions these two men made. Resurrection to judgment or a resurrection to heaven.

Adam chose self-protection. Jesus chose self-sacrifice. Adam chose comfort. Jesus chose discomfort. Adam thought he knew better. Jesus thought God knew better. Adam trusted self. Jesus trusted God. One man brought death’s sting. The other man destroyed death’s sting by rising from the dead.

Easter reflects a strong choice and a glorious consequence. We too have the same opportunity to make strong choices for God which bring glorious consequences to others. Easter isn’t a day, it is a lifestyle of impact.