This is the manuscript of the sermon delivered at Christ Church April 6, 2025.
Scripture
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 NIV [1] Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. [2] By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. [3] For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, [5] and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. [6] After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. [7] Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, [8] and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. [9] For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. [10] But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. [11] Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.
Introduction:
Text
Matthew 28:5-6 NIV [5] The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. [6] He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
Today, we are going to talk about a cornerstone of our Christian faith, a truth that alters everything. Today, as we move toward Easter, Resurrection Sunday, we are going to talk about Resurrection Faith.
The resurrection is more than just a historical fact, it is the very foundation on which our hope, our purpose, and our eternal destiny are built. It is because of Jesus’ resurrection that we have “Resurrection Faith.”
What exactly is Resurrection Faith?
Believing Jesus rose isn't just a fact; it changes everything about how we see things. It's a faith that empowers us to live with hope in the face of despair, courage in the face of fear, and love in the face of hatred.
1. The Historical Reality: Evidence of the Resurrection
Our faith isn't built on mere speculation or wishful thinking. The resurrection of Jesus is fact grounded in historical evidence.
The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, part of which James read this morning lays it out clearly and concisely.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8 NIV [3] For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, [5] AND that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. [6] After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. [7] Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, [8] and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
Paul emphasized the fulfillment of prophecy, when he said according to the Scriptures. Here are some of those scriptures that prophesied that Jesus would die for our sins;
Isaiah 53:5-6 NIV [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. [6] We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Zechariah 12:10 NIV [10] And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
Then Paul gives numerous eyewitness accounts, including himself. … he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
The empty tomb, which is mentioned in our text, the appearances to his disciples, and the radical transformation of fearful followers into bold preachers all point to the undeniable reality of Jesus' resurrection.
Before the resurrection, the disciples were hiding, fearing arrest and persecution
John 20:19-20 NIV [19] On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” [20] After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
But after the resurrection and Pentecost, these same people were empowered by the Holy Spirit and boldly proclaimed Jesus as the risen Lord, even in the face of threats, imprisonment, and death.
Acts 2:1-4 NIV [1] When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. [2] Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Their message revolved around the crucial truth of the resurrection. Here are some excerpts from Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost. The entire sermon is Acts 2:14-38.
Acts 2:22-24, 32-33, 38-39 NIV [22] “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. [23] This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. [24] But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
[32] God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. [33] Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
[38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 15:12-14 NIV [12] But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? [13] If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. [14] And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.
Resurrection Faith begins with acknowledging the historical truth of the resurrection. Jesus Christ did rise from the grave.
2. The Power of the Resurrection: Victory Over Sin and Death
The resurrection isn’t just a past event; the power of the resurrection is active and present in our lives today.
Romans 6:3-4 NIV tells us [3] Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
The Apostle Paul wanted to experience that power
Philippians 3:10-11 NIV [10] I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Paul's yearning to experience the power of the resurrection serves as a powerful example. It highlights that faith is about a deep, personal encounter with the living Christ and the transformative power of his victory over death.
Hebrews 11:6 NIV [6] And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
We should seek that power of the resurrection in our own lives. When we do, that power will shape our priorities and guide us in God's will.
Sin's authority over us is nullified because of Jesus’ death on the cross and in his resurrection. Because Christ was raised to a new life, we are also given the ability to live in that newness, finally free from sin's bondage.
And if that is not enough, the resurrection is evidence that Jesus conquered death itself.
1 Corinthians 15:54-55 NIV [54] When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” [55] “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
Because Jesus rose from the dead, we have the confident hope of our own resurrection. Death is no longer a final, terrifying end, but only a temporary separation before our reunion with Christ and with our loved ones who have gone before us. Our Resurrection Faith gives us hope beyond the grave.
3. Resurrection Fath should radically impact how we live.
If death has been defeated and we have the promise of eternal life, how should that shape the way we live today?
First, Resurrection Faith calls us to live with an eternal perspective.
Philippians 3:20-21 NIV [20] But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Knowing that our true and lasting home is in heaven with a resurrected and glorified Christ shapes how we view our present lives.
This hope, which is rooted in Jesus' resurrection, is not just a wishful thinking, it is a "living hope". A living hope in an eternal inheritance.
Just look at what Jesus said to Lazarus’ sister before he raised him after he had been dead 4 days.
John 11:24-26 NIV [24] Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” [25] Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; [26] and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
This living hope influences how we invest our time and energy in this life, knowing there is an imperishable reward awaiting us.
1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV [3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,
Because believers have been spiritually raised with Christ through faith, we are called to focus our desires and thoughts on heavenly, eternal matters rather than the fleeting things of this world.
Colossians 3:1-3 NIV [1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Knowing that our true home is in heaven with Christ should influence our priorities and our values.
Philippians 2:5-6 NIV [5] In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage
Philippians 4:8 NIV [8] Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Our resurrection faith enables us to realize that earthly hardships are only temporary in the face of everlasting glory.
James 1:2-4 NIV [2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
While we may not achieve absolute, sinless perfection in this life, trials and tribulations, when faced with faith and perseverance, are part of God's process to shape us, mature our faith, and lead us towards spiritual completeness.
Resurrection Faith empowers us to be witnesses to the good news of the Gospel.
Just as the early disciples boldly proclaimed the resurrection, we too are called to share the hope that we have in Christ. Our lives, marked by the transformative power of Resurrection Faith, become living testimonies to the reality of Jesus' victory.
Acts 4:33 AMP And with great ability and power the apostles were continuously testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace [God’s remarkable lovingkindness and favor and goodwill] rested richly upon them all.
Finally, Resurrection Faith compels us to live lives of love and service.
Knowing the immense love that God demonstrated through the sacrifice and resurrection of His Son should motivate us to extend that same love to others. Resurrection Faith fuels a life of compassion, forgiveness, and selfless service.
1 John 4:7-12 NIV [7] Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. [8] Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. [9] This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. [10] This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. [11] Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. [12] No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
Conclusion:
The power of Resurrection faith actively transforms us. It provides a new lens through which we understand the past, energizes our current lives, and firmly grounds our hope in the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death, through which we eternal life.
As we reflect on the resurrection and Resurrection Faith today, let us examine our own hearts. Is our faith a living, breathing Resurrection Faith that impacts how we live each day? Are we living with an eternal perspective? Are we boldly sharing the good news? Are we loving and serving others as Christ loved and served us?
The power of the resurrection can fill our hearts with hope, courage, and love, so that we can live lives that truly reflect the victory of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, We are grateful beyond words for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, who through his death and glorious resurrection has conquered sin and death for us.
Grant us the courage and strength to live out our faith boldly, empowered by the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. May our lives be a testament to the transforming power of the resurrection, bringing hope and light to a world that desperately needs it.
When we face trials and tribulations, remind us of the victory Christ has already won. Strengthen our perseverance and help us to hold fast to the hope we have in him. May our faith be a living, active faith, constantly looking to the risen Lord for guidance and strength.
Thank you, Lord, for the promise of our own future resurrection and the new life we have in Christ. May we live in the joy and freedom of that truth, until we are united with you in glory.
