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1 Corinthians 15:4-9

The physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus is one of the mostly fervently assaulted doctrines and beliefs of Christian Faith. Only the Creation story is attacked as strongly. Why is this so? That answer is simple; if there is no resurrection, there is no true Christian faith. If we serve a dead Savior, then we serve nothing. The resurrection of Jesus was a history changing event and it is a life changing one as well.

Contrary to what the doubters try to tell you friends, the resurrection of Jesus is one of the most well documented events in the first century. Here Paul makes an astounding claim. Not only did more than 500 people see the resurrected Jesus, but most of them were still around at the time Paul wrote this letter to the church at Corinth! In effect, Paul was issuing a challenge to the scoffers here: “Hey, if you don’t believe me go ask them; they saw it too!” To my knowledge, no one came forth to challenge Paul’s assertion.

A defense of the Resurrection is not really the point here today. Friends the point today is that the Resurrection of Jesus is one of the greatest encouragements we have in our walks of faith. Because Jesus died, we have also died to sin and our old selves. Because Jesus lives, we also live free from the penalty of our sin and in our new selves. Finally, because Jesus will live into all eternity in glory, so will we!