At the St Helen's Easter service on Tuesday, David Cook spoke from 1 Corinthians 15 to give us the executive summary for Easter (download the recording on our website).
Here is the executive summary as Paul received it from Christ, as the Corinthians received it from Paul, and as we receive it today by reading Paul's letter to the Corinthians. Easter's executive summary: (1) that Christ died for our sins, (2) that he was buried, (3) that he was raised on the third day, and (4) that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve, then to more than five hundred at one time. In other words, the resurrected Christ was seen.
So what are the implications of Christ's resurrection from the dead? If Christ has been raised, then Christianity has something of eternal significance to offer to the world: real hope beyond the grave. But if Christ has not been raised, then Christianity has absolutely nothing to offer to the world, and those who follow Christ are of all people most to be pitied. C.S. Lewis sums it up nicely: "Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important."
If you want to hear more, why not come back on Tuesday 17 April as David Cook tackles "Life's Big Questions"? Download a flyer and invite a colleague, whatever they believe. If Christ is risen, then Christianity is of infinite importance to everyone.
"Christ in fact has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." (1 Corinthians 15:20)
He is risen! Happy Easter!