Opening illustration – “Mr. Walker in the hole”

Man falls into a deep hole; advice, medicine, or “make peace” don’t free him.

Only someone who enters the hole with him can rescue him.

Christ as the rescuer, Jesus doesn’t just give instructions; He jumps into the hole (incarnation, death, resurrection) and pulls us out.

Paul’s focus in 1 Cor 15

• Four essential facts:

1. Christ’s death
2. Burial
3. Resurrection
4. Post‑resurrection appearances.

Witness testimony is crucial because rising from the dead is extraordinary.

If there is no resurrection, then Christ did not rise → the gospel is void → faith is futile.

• Adam vs. Christ (Romans 5:12‑21)

Adam introduced death; Christ’s resurrection reverses that curse.

• Practical implications of the resurrection

Gives courage to endure suffering (Romans 8, 2 Cor 4).

Provides an eternal perspective that outweighs present trials.

Supplies moral urgency: without resurrection, life lacks lasting meaning.

Unique authority: Jesus says “Come, follow me” and personally leads the way.

• Resurrection guarantees a future “harvest” of believers; believers are commissioned to participate.