Church - When Easter Becomes Just Another Holiday - 1 Corinthians 15 - April 4, 2010

Bible Study – Church – When Easter Becomes Just another Holiday – April 4, 2010

This is our final lesson in the series entitled “Church Gone Wrong.”

Our scripture is 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 12-19, 54b-58.

This study brought back may memories of Easter during my childhood. My mother and father went to early sunrise services. I had rather sleep but I went on occasions. Easter was the time to get new clothes and dying the Easter eggs. We did not get Sunday go-to-meeting clothes except to celebrate Easter. Of course, the Easter bunny came during the night before Easter with candy eggs, and sometimes a large chocolate bunny. The children would compare their chocolate bunnies to the ones their friends or cousins got. Some were larger, some smaller, some hollow and some were solid chocolate. Size was important. The ladies, men and children dressed in their finest clothes and it was truly an Easter parade of fashion as we all were excited to wear our new outfits to church. Church was usually followed by a gathering of family around a display of food which was followed by an Easter egg hunt. Sure we heard about the death, burial and resurrection of CHRIST during church and some people would join the church. But as a child I was more focused on the new clothes, the candy and the good time I would have with my cousins.

It is easy to focus on Easter as a holiday. But when you know that once you were a sinner and CHRIST gave HIS sinless life on the cross for your sins by shedding HIS blood out of love for you, Easter takes on new meaning. If CHRIST’S death was the end, Christians would be in a sad situation indeed. CHRIST died, was buried and was raised from the dead on the third day by the power of GOD as proof that HE had conquered sin and death. Because HE lives all who believe in HIM will also live. HIS passion prepared the human bodies of all believers to be indwelled by the HOLY SPIRIT once they received CHRIST as their SAVIOR. The indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is the assurance, the down payment, the confirmation that their faith in CHRIST is real.
Easter is a time of celebration of life eternal for all who believe in the resurrected CHRIST. Have you made this decision in your life? If not, make that decision right now. The benefits are eternal.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4:

Resurrection Essential to the Gospel

1 Now brothers, I want to clarify[1] Or I make known for you the gospel I proclaimed to you; you received it and have taken your stand on it. 2 You are also saved by it, if you hold to the message I proclaimed to you—unless you believed to no purpose.[2] Or believed in vain 3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that He was buried, that He was raised (rose again) on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Paul was reiterating the gospel of CHRIST to the Corinthian Christians. Gospel means “Good News.” Paul said he had already presented the gospel message to them and they had received it and accepted it. It was a part of their lives. It had saved them unless they were only going through the motions of salvation. People can get caught in the hype of a Christian gathering and make an emotional decision for CHRIST rather than a heart decision.

Paul stated that he had given the truth of the gospel as he had receive it, accepted it and was living by it. The gospel message had not changed. The gospel message was that CHRIST died for our sins according to prophecy given in the Old Testament. CHRIST was buried and HE was raised (rose again) from the dead on the third day just as the Old Testament scriptures had stated.

One of the commentaries I study provides an excellent comment on this scripture. “The Greek words for died and buried are in the aorist tense, which describes actions at one point in time; but the Greek word for rose again is in the perfect tense, which refers to something that happened in the past and carries over to the present. Jesus’ death and burial were once-for-all acts; His resurrected life is continuous and on-going.”*

* “The Herschel Hobbs Commentary”, Bible Studies for Life, Spring 2010, published by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19:

Resurrection Essential to the Faith

12 Now if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some of you say, “There is no resurrection of the dead”? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is without foundation, and so is your faith.[4] Or preaching is useless, and your faith also is useless, or preaching is empty, and your faith also is empty 15 In addition, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified about God that He raised up Christ—whom He did not raise up if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, Christ has not been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Therefore those who have fallen asleep[5] Jn 11:11; Ac 7:60; 1 Th 4:13–15 in Christ have also perished. 19 If we have placed our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.

Paul was using logic to help the Corinthian Christians to comprehend the resurrection of CHRIST and the born-again believer. Paul began with “now if” CHRIST is preached. The word “if” can be translated “since.” It is not a question but a fact that CHRIST was being preached as being raised from the dead. Therefore, “How can you say there is no resurrection of Christians who die?” Paul tied the resurrection of CHRIST to the resurrection of those who have been saved by CHRIST. CHRIST is the first fruits of the dead as described in 1 Corinthians 15:20-24 - 20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the • firstfruits[6] Ex 23:19; Rm 8:23 of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. 22 For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at His coming, the people of Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when He abolishes all rule and all authority and power.

The fundamental tenant of the gospel is that CHRIST was raised from the dead. HE died on the cross. Pilate ordered the legs of CHRIST to be broken to hasten HIS death. When the soldier went to break HIS legs he found CHRIST dead. To make sure HE was dead, he stuck a spear into HIS side and blood and water flowed out.

John 19:31-37:
Jesus’ Side Pierced
31 Since it was the preparation day,[12] Jn 19:14 the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special[13] Lit great day). They requested that Pilate have the men’s legs broken and that [their bodies]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. be taken away.[14] Dt 21:22–23 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other one who had been crucified with Him. 33 When they came to Jesus, they did not break His legs since they saw that He was already dead. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. 35 He who saw this has testified[15] Jn 1:14–15,34 so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows he is telling the truth.[16] Jn 21:24 36 For these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled:[17] Jn 13:18; 17:12; 19:24 Not one of His bones will be broken.[18] Ex 12:46; Nm 9:12; Ps 34:20 37 Also, another Scripture says: They will look at the One they pierced.[19] Zch 12:10

John 19:38-40: (I added this scripture because it helped convince me that CHRIST was really dead.)

Jesus’ Burial
38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus—but secretly because of his fear of the Jews—asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and took His body away. 39 Nicodemus (who had previously come to Him at night – John Chapter 3.) also came, bringing a mixture of about 75 pounds[20] Lit 100 litrai; a Roman litrai = 12 ounces of myrrh and aloes. 40 Then they took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the aromatic spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews.

JESUS was dead and HE was buried according to the burial customs of the Jews. Early Sunday morning the woman went to the tomb to complete the embalming process to discover that CHRIST had risen from the dead. HIS believers, including HIS disciples, were not expecting HIM to be raised from the dead. CHRIST had to prove Himself to the women, as well as, to HIS disciples.

Paul was saying to worship a dead CHRIST is unless. If CHRIST was not raised from the dead, there is no more reason to believe that CHRIST was the SON of GOD than any other deity. The Good News of salvation is the fact that CHRIST lives today, HE conquered dead and because HE conquered death, HE conquered sin. The original sin resulted in the death of mankind. Since CHRIST lives so will all who have a saving faith in HIM.

Paul says if CHRIST had not been raised from the dead then they were preaching a lie. CHRIST was not a religion to be followed to get you through this life on earth. CHRIST in you was not only to get you through this life on earth but HE was for your eternal security as well. If CHRIST was only for this life then all who have died believing that faith in CHRIST and HIS resurrection will get them to heaven are in real trouble. But that was not the case. CHRIST is alive and because HE lives so will all Christians.

Christians, at the death of their earth suits/bodies, their born-again Spirits exit their earth suit and go immediately to be with CHRIST and GOD.

I realize what I am about to tell you is more meaningful to me because I experienced it. Never-the less it is true and is yet another verification of life after death for Christians. This is an abbreviated version.

This happened to me in 1971. I was driving from Charlotte, NC to Spartanburg, SC. A co-worker’s mother had cancer. Her name was Mrs. Green. I had never met Mrs. Green but several of us had been praying for her. Mrs. Green was at home when I left for an overnight trip. Driving back to Spartanburg, all of a sudden I saw a picture or vision high in the sky of a man and a woman walking down what appeared a dirt path. I could see the entire woman but the picture was positioned such that I could only see the male from under HIS chin down. It was a diagonal angle from the top of HIS left shoulder up under HIS chin. I know the top of her head was level with the top of HIS shoulder. I did not know the male figure was the LORD until I heard a voice as clear as I have ever heard a voice. The voice was clear, booming, with authority. The sound was not coming through my ears but inside my head. It was a 360 degree sound and unmistakable. The voice said “Mrs. Green has just passed away but she is walking with the LORD.” A joy spread over me like never before. I began to sing. The voice said again, “I told you Mrs. Green is fine, she is walking with the LORD, you pray for the family!” I did and I looked at my watch. It was 3:45 PM. I arrived at work a few minutes after 4 PM. I asked about Mrs. Green to learn that she had taken a turn for the worse and she was in the hospital. I told office and lab personnel what I saw coming down the road and they all said that her daughter, Elsie, had called earlier to say that her mother was resting. The phone rang and the lab supervisor answered the phone and it was Mrs. Green’s pastor’s wife to let us know that Mrs. Green had passed away. Her obituary stated that she was pronounced dead at 4:10 PM. I laugh and think she was walking with the LORD at 3:45 PM.

Mrs. Green was a wonderful Christian lady. The first time I saw her was when she was in the casket. She was nothing like the woman I saw in the picture. The woman in the picture appeared to be in her early twenties with long flowing brunette hair. She had on a white garment but the LORD had on a garment which had an emerald like color. The path they were walking down turned to the right. I never saw where they were walking to.

I was wide awake, driving down the highway with no clue that Mrs. Green was even in the hospital. In fact she had not crossed my mind that day. It was a normal day. Nothing like that has happened since. In fact, when my mother died, I though sure I would experience something but nothing. My mother slipped into the arms of the LORD without me experiencing anything.

This experience was an assurance to me when a Christian dies he/she goes immediately to be with the LORD. Paul confirmed that as well. Paul was stoned to death and he speaks of being taken to the third heaven. The first heaven is where the birds fly and the clouds soar. The second heaven is where the moon, stars and planets are and the third heaven is where GOD is. Paul also spoke of being absent from the body was to be present with the LORD.

CHRIST conquering death is a Christian’s assurance that he/she will also be resurrected with a body like CHRIST’S when HE returns to earth for the second time. JESUS tells believers in John 14:19-22:

19 “In a little while the world will see Me no longer, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live too. 20 In that day you will know that I am in My Father, you are in Me, and I am in you. 21 The one who has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. And the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I also will love him and will reveal Myself to him.”

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 15:54b-58:

Death has been swallowed up in victory.[19] Isaiah 25:8 55 O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?[20] Hs 13:14 56 Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Paul puts the crowning touch on CHRIST defeating sin and death by confirming the passion of CHRIST. Death was defeated because of the resurrection of CHRIST. Death had held mankind captive since the Garden of Eden but the death and resurrection of CHRIST defeated death and removed its sting. In CHRIST there is victory. If CHRIST did not defeat sin, then sin remains. The power of sin is the law because the law was a constant reminder that there is no deliverance from sin. People under the law need atonement for their sin and as soon as they receive it, they need more atonement because they constantly sin. Sin is never ending and was depressing.
How can Christians rejoice in this victory? The victory over sin and death comes from the passion of CHRIST – HIS Birth, sinless life, HIS death, HIS burial and HIS resurrection. Paul was telling the Corinthian Christians to hang-on to these truths because it was through the obedience of CHRIST that all who believe in CHRIST are set free from the bondage of sin and death. CHRIST is the hope for all mankind, therefore obediently serve the LORD.

Does belief make these facts true? No. The fact that the Bible confirms these as truths and the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT confirms these truths in our heart that make them true.

In my journey in investigating these facts over the years, the fact that the brothers of JESUS did not believe in HIM before HIS crucifixion but after CHRIST’S crucifixion and resurrection HIS brothers were in the upper room waiting for the arrival of the HOLY SPIRIT at Pentecost. CHRIST’S brother was martyred for CHRIST and CHRIST’S brother James went on to be the head of the Christian church in Jerusalem. Consider these scripture references:

John 7:1-5:

The Unbelief of Jesus’ Brothers
1 After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee, since He did not want to travel in Judea because the • Jews were trying to kill Him. 2 The Jewish Festival of Tabernacles[1] Or Booths [2] One of 3 great Jewish religious festivals, along with Passover and Pentecost; Ex 23:14; Dt 16:16 was near, 3 so His brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea so Your disciples can see Your works that You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 (For not even His brothers believed in Him.)

Acts 1:12-14:

United in Prayer
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olive Grove, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 All these were continually united in prayer,[3] Other mss add and petition along with the women, including Mary[4] Or prayer, with their wives and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.

Paul met with James the brother of JESUS after his conversion experience on the road to Damascus.

James 1:18-19:

18 Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know • Cephas,[8] Other mss read Peter and I stayed with him 15 days. 19 But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.

1 Corinthians 15:1-8:

The gospel of Christ's resurrection
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he (JESUS) was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Some have physically seen HIM but most of us see HIM with our hearts.

Do you know the risen CHRIST? Ask HIM into your life today. The same power that raised JESUS from the dead will dwell in you: (Awesome!!!)

Ephesians 1:18-23 - 18 [I pray]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the glorious riches of His inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength. 20 He demonstrated [this power]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. in the Messiah by raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavens[15] Eph 1:3; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12 — 21 far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given,[16] Lit every name named not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put everything under His feet[17] Ps 8:6 and appointed Him as head over everything for the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of the One who fills all things in every way.

As Christians, this same power lives in you, will guide you each day as you seek to do HIS will and will take you to heaven the instant you die and will resurrect you. Your born-again Spirit will be united with your Glorified body when CHRIST returns to earth the send time.

If you are a Christian, rejoice in the LORD and rejoice this Easter knowing that because HE lives, so will you!!! HAPPY EASTER and Blessings.