The Paramount Importance of the Resurrection

1. Inseparable Connection – v12-13,16
   The bodily resurrection of Christ guarantees the future resurrection of the dead.
2. Devastating Consequences (if Christ has not been raised)
   · Christian preaching and faith are pointless – v14
   · The Bible is full of lies – vv15-16
   · We are still in our sins – v17
   · Believers who have died are in torment – v18
   · Our whole lives have been staked on a sham – v19

Preparing your heart for the sermon:
-What are the essential components of the Gospel?
-What is the connection between Christ's resurrection and our future resurrection?
-Is it that big of deal is someone denies the resurrection of the dead? What is at stake?
-Other passages to consider: Ps 19:7-11; Rom 4:25; 1 Cor 6:14; 15:1-20; 2 Cor 4:14; 5:8; Phil 1:21,23; 1 Thess 4:13-18

Digging Deeper:
-Why is it so important that the Bible is w/o error?
-How does our salvation depend on Christ's resurrection?
-How does our sure hope of a future resurrection impact our lives in the present?