TEXT: I Corinthians 15:12-20

SUBJECT: The Centerpiece

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the centerpiece of Christian theology and life. If it did not occur, we’ve got nothing. If it did take place, we’ve got everything.

The Apostles felt this way. Wherever they went and to whomever they preached, they insisted on the resurrection. Peter preached it on the Day of Pentecost. Standing before his devout countrymen, he accused them of taking the Lord "and with wicked hands crucifying and putting Him to death". But he didn’t stop with their guilt, though it was appalling. He went on to their hope: the Man they killed, God

The message resonated with the religious Jews of the time and 3,000 were converted that day. And not only that day, but in the years to come tens of thousands of Abraham’s children became heirs of Abraham’s promise. Why? Because the promise came true: Christ rose from the dead.

As the Church moved into the Gentile world, Paul became her chief spokesman. The nations, of course, had no faith in the Bible and didn’t know the True God. Yet, Paul preached to them the same message. At Mars Hill, he attacked the stupidity of worshiping idols, he praised the patience of God in putting up with the people who do, and he warned them that the Divine patience was wearing thin, and that one day—before too long—He’d call them on it—and they’d be in very bad trouble.

Had he stopped there, he might have won them all to Theism (i.e., belief in the One True God). But he didn’t stop there—and couldn’t. Because, as good as this is, it’s not good enough. So he goes on to name the Man who would one day judge them and prove that He’s the One with words he knew would offend them,