I Corinthians 15

Restoration and Regeneration
• Notre Dame Cathedral has been in the process of restoration to address significant deterioration over the years. When fire broke out at the cathedral, the watching world held its breath. Photos of the interior damage revealed that the cathedral’s cross was not only visible, but also undamaged.
• The Cross is the symbol of Christianity because it was there that Jesus defeated the forces of evil and paid the price for our sin. Christ’s death was a “project of regeneration” for all who receive Him as Savior and Lord.

Of first importance (I Corinthians 15:1-11)
• Paul summarized the message of the Gospel, stating that Christ died, was buried, and rose again on the third day – all “according to the Scriptures.”
• Paul then provides a “roll call” of those who saw the Risen Christ.
• No fact in history has been more challenged than the Resurrection. But, no event in history has been better authenticated!

If the resurrection did not take place (15:12-19)
• Paul presents seven “if” statements that underscore the significance of the Resurrection.
• Without the Resurrection, there are only four options remaining to those who wonder what happens when we die: reincarnation, nothingness, absorption, and a ghost-like existence.

Death is dead (I5:20-28)
• Christ is the firstfruits of those who have died and will live again.
• Jesus is also the “second Adam” through whom all who live shall be made alive.
• There is an order to the resurrection (vv. 23-25); the last thing to be eliminated is death itself.

Two Big Questions (15:35-41)
• Paul anticipates mankind’s two greatest questions: “How are the dead raised?” and “What kind of body will we have?”
• Paul explains that there is evidence of resurrection everywhere throughout creation: in plant life, in the animal world, and in the heavens. Death is the only thing that is not natural, as it is not what God planned.

A look at our resurrection bodies
• Our bodies are our earthly “suits” – they are designed for a season, for this life, but they are not equipped for our life after death.
• For the Christian, as the body of flesh decays, our heavenly body is being prepared; only our resurrection body will have the capacity to experience the joy and fullness of Heaven.
• The best way we can prepare for death is to pray! When we surrender our will and ask that God’s will be done, we are actually experiencing a death to self.

The wonder of Easter
• It is estimated that it will cost $8 billion, and take at least five years, to restore Notre Dame.
• What does it cost for us to be redeemed (and regenerated)? The Good News of Easter is that, because of Christ’s victory over sin and death, the price has already been paid.

Think it over.
• How would you explain the importance of Christ’s resurrection to a non-believer?
• What evidence can you offer that Christ is alive in your life? Recall the words to the hymn, “You ask me how I know He lives; He lives within my heart.”
• How does this message motivate you to experience the victories Christ can win through you?
• Restoration means to bring an object back to its original order. Thank God that He does not “restore” us, but that through Christ He regenerates us by making us new creatures (2 Cor. 5:17).