Faith’s Reality

Charing Cross is the geographical center of London, England. “All distances in the United Kingdom from London are measured from Charing Cross. This spot is referred to simply as ‘the cross.’ A lost child was one day picked up by a London policeman. The child was unable to tell where he lived. Finally, in response to the repeated questions of the policeman, and amid sobs and tears, the little fellow said, ‘If you will take me to the cross I think I can find my way from there.’”

- The five most important chapters in the entire Bible Mt. 28, Mk. 16, Lk. 24, & Jn 20–21 – THE RESURRECTION

- 1 Cor. 15 – What the Resurrection means to me

– Becomes The Gospel “God-spell “ – Good News

1 Corinthians 15:14 (AV)

14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

- With His resurrection & the Gospel the hearer becomes spellbound

- It’s message - My utmost happiness — Eternal Life

- Unbelievable – We see the finality of death – No coming back

1 Corinthians 1:18 (AV)

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

- Yet all around us the evidence of new transformed life - Seed

- v.2 “Hold fast” – Col. 1:28

Christopher Columbus went searching for a shorter route to India for tread purposes in spices but discovered America

- He came back with a spice called pimiento Jamaica pepper, Allspice

- It is suggested that the flavour of every spice is to be found in Allspice.

(cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)

- We not only have the flavour, but the ingredient of every earthly and heavenly blessing is found in the glorious Gospel.

- It is a blessed compound of all the sweet spices of God’s grace.

They are rich and satisfied who possess it.

- May it perfume all our hearts and lives

- 1 Co. 15:1 – The only way of receiving eternal life the gospel.

- Not earned, not inherited, not bought

- “I declare unto you” – Literally “I make known”

- This God-spell , Gospel — Hearing is not enough - but believe

I Co 15 Five principles

1. 1 Co 15:3 - Christ Died for our sin

• No doubts that Jesus was dead

• Beaten beyond recognition escalated death

• Publicly crucified on a cross until dead

• Spear pierced his side to bring finality to His death

2. 1 Co. 15:4 – He was buried

• This is the last action for death

• Women saw & prepared spices for His burial

• His tomb was sealed & guarded

3. I Co 15:4 – He rose again the 3rd day

• Each of the gospels testify

• Mentioned over one hundred times in NT

4. v. 3 & 4 – Death & Resurrection according to Scripture

• Death Ps 22:15-17, Is 53:8b-9a, Zech 13:7

• Resurrection – Job 19:25-26, Ps 16:10, Ps 22:22, Is 27:19

5. 1 Co 15:5-8 Witnesses testify to the resurrection

Every year thousands of people climb a mountain in the Italian Alps, passing the "stations of the cross" to stand at an outdoor crucifix. One tourist noticed a little trail that led beyond the cross. He fought through the rough thicket and, to his surprise, came upon another shrine, a shrine that symbolized the empty tomb. It was neglected. The brush had grown up around it. Almost everyone had gone as far as the cross, but stopped there.

Far too many have gotten to the cross and have known the despair and heartbreak. Far too few have moved beyond the cross to find the real message of Easer -- the empty tomb.