Evidence Of The Resurrection - The Church (Part 1)

EVIDENCE OF THE RESURRECTION

EXHIBIT A: THE CHURCH

I Corinthians 15:1-2

Conspiracy theories are nothing new, but with the invention of the internet and social media, these theories are more prevalent than ever. There are a number of theories surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Others believe there was a cover up concerning the terror attacks of September 11th, 2001. Some believe that certain secret societies control the world. There are people who believe that the moon landings were faked and that the earth is flat. Almost 50 years after his death, many people are still convinced that Elvis Presley is alive.

The actual truth behind these “theories” has no real impact on our daily lives. But there are some who allege that Jesus Christ did not rise from the grave, and this is a subject that not only has an impact on our daily lives, it is one that has serious implications concerning our eternal destiny.

We can agree to disagree on many doctrines in the Bible, but the resurrection is a doctrine about which there is no room for debate. The scriptures make it clear that one cannot by saved if they deny the reality of Christ’s resurrection. Paul said in Romans 10:9, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Ultimately the context of I Corinthians 15 is Paul’s defense of the future, literal bodily resurrection of Believers. However, in the process, the Apostle delivers a dynamic defense of Christ’s own resurrection. This is fitting because (as we will learn in this chapter) we would have no hope whatsoever if Christ had not risen. But praise God “Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

In a court of law, certain documents, photos, animations, and other devices that are formally introduced as evidence are called “exhibits”. As Paul defends the doctrine of the resurrection, he submits several “exhibits” (or pieces of evidence) that prove the reality of Christ’s resurrection. He presents the scriptures and Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy as evidence. He mentions the fact that after Jesus rose from the grave that He was seen by Peter, James, and the rest of the Apostles. He also declares that Jesus was once seen by over 500 of His followers at one time. Finally Paul inserts a personal testimony of the resurrection, saying that “last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.”

When you look at the entirety of Paul’s defense, I believe that he has presented overwhelming evidence that Jesus Christ lived, died, was buried, and rose again. However, there is one more piece of evidence in this passage that is sometimes overlooked. I am referring to the truth that the Corinthian Christians were living proof that Jesus is alive. This is true for all Christians past, present and future.

The Corinthians heard the gospel message, received it, and responded by putting their faith in Jesus. Paul says “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand”. The Christians at Corinth were proof of the power of the Gospel and the reality of Christ’s resurrection.

In the same way, we who are “in Christ” are visible, living proof that Jesus is alive. As the old hymn says:

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today.

I know that He is living, Whatever men may say.

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.

He Lives! He Lives! Christ Jesus lives today!

He Walks with me, And talks with me,

Along life’s narrow way.

He Lives! He Lives! Salvation to impart.

You ask me how I know He lives,

He lives within my heart!

There are multitudes of people in the world today who scoff at the idea that the Son of God lived, died, and rose again, but we are evidence that the resurrection is a reality. I would like to take the next few weeks and consider several different truths that serve as evidence that should prove beyond any reasonable doubt that Jesus is alive. Furthermore, because He lives, we have the assurance that we will live eternally!

- The first piece of evidence that I would like to submit to you is:

Exhibit A: The Church

Each of you woke up today and made the conscious decision to come to church. We call this structure a church building. The sign out front says Stockdale Baptist Church. However, this building is not “the church”, it is simply the location where this segment of Christ’s Church meets to worship Him. Ultimately the Church is the universal assembly of Christ’s people. (Those whom Paul describes in Ephesians as “the Body” and “the Bride” of Christ.)