1 Corinthians 15:1-10

 

Big Idea: Jesus is alive and that changes everything

 

  1. Jesus is Physically Alive
    1. Scriptural Evidence (vv. 3-4) … Paul points out that the Old Testament prophecies said this would happen. They foretold Jesus' death and resurrection as well as many other prophecies Jesus fulfilled. There were 300 prophecies about the Messiah that Jesus fulfilled. 
    2. Historical Evidence (vv. 5-7) … Jesus appeared to the Disciples after His resurrection and they told others about it. Did they make it up? If they did, why were they willing to die, even be crucified upside-down, for this lie? Jesus also appeared in front of large crowds. At the time Paul wrote this, some of those witnesses were still alive to testify to it. 
    3. Internal Evidence (vv. 8-10) … Paul had a personal encounter with Jesus. It is the reason he went from being Saul, persecutor of Christians, to Paul, the apostle of Christ. It changed his life. 

      “The evidence for Jesus’ resurrection is so strong that nobody would question it except for two things: First, it is a very unusual event. And second, if you believe it happened, you have to change the way you live.” —Wolfhart Pannenberg
       
  2. Because Jesus is Alive…
    1. Your Past Can Be Forgiven. … Our past doesn’t have to define us. Jesus died to take our sinful past from our shoulders. There had to be a punishment for our sin, and that price is death. However, Jesus took that debt we owed upon Himself and died on the cross. Anyone who accepts that gift of grace and mercy can be forgiven. 
    2. Your Present Can Be Transformed. … Paul went from terrorizing believers to being one of the most impactful missionaries of all time. Whatever happened, you can be transformed today. 
    3. Your Future Can Be Secure. … Benjamin Franklin tells us two things are certain: death and taxes. We know that unless Jesus returns in our lifetime, we will die. But as believers, we also know that we will live for eternity in Heaven and on a new Earth. There will be no pain or suffering there. No illnesses, no disabilities, no allergies. 

 

For Further Study/Resources the Pastor Used to Prepare This Message

  • Jesus & the Eye-Witnesses by Richard Bauckham,
  • The Resurrection & the Son of God by N.T. Wright,
  • Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell,
  • The Case for Easter by Lee Strobel,
  • Hope in Times of Fear: The Resurrection and the Meaning of Easter by Tim Keller