Opening illustration – “Mr. Walker in the hole”
Man falls into a deep hole; advice, medicine, or “make peace” don’t free him.
Only someone who enters the hole with him can rescue him.
Christ as the rescuer, Jesus doesn’t just give instructions; He jumps into the hole (incarnation, death, resurrection) and pulls us out.
Paul’s focus in 1 Cor 15
Witness testimony is crucial because rising from the dead is extraordinary.
If there is no resurrection, then Christ did not rise → the gospel is void → faith is futile.
Adam introduced death; Christ’s resurrection reverses that curse.
Gives courage to endure suffering (Romans 8, 2 Cor 4).
Provides an eternal perspective that outweighs present trials.
Supplies moral urgency: without resurrection, life lacks lasting meaning.
Unique authority: Jesus says “Come, follow me” and personally leads the way.
