3. 1 Corinthians 15:20-34
20 But Christ has indeed been raised
from the dead, the firstfruits of those
who have fallen asleep. 21 For since
death came through a man, the
resurrection of the dead comes also
through a man.

4. 1 Corinthians 15:20-34
22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all
will be made alive. 23 But each in his
own turn: Christ, the firstfruits;
then, when he comes, those who
belong to him.

5. 1 Corinthians 15:20-34
24 Then the end will come, when he
hands over the kingdom to God the
Father after he has destroyed all
dominion, authority and power. 25 For
he must reign until he has put all his
enemies under his feet.

6. 1 Corinthians 15:20-34
26 The last enemy to be destroyed is
death. 27 For he "has put everything under
his feet." Now when it says that
"everything" has been put under him, it is
clear that this does not include God
himself, who put everything under

7. 1 Corinthians 15:20-34
Christ. 28 When he has done this, then
the Son himself will be made subject to
him who put everything under him, so
that God may be all in all. 29 Now if there
is no resurrection, what will those do
who are baptized for the dead?

8. 1 Corinthians 15:20-34
If the dead are not raised at all, why are
people baptized for them? 30 And as for
us, why do we endanger ourselves every
hour? 31 I die every day--I mean that,
brothers--just as surely as I glory over
you in Christ Jesus our Lord.

9. 1 Corinthians 15:20-34
32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for
merely human reasons, what have I
gained? If the dead are not raised, "Let
us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."

10. 1 Corinthians 15:20-34
33 Do not be misled: "Bad company
corrupts good character." 34 Come back
to your senses as you ought, and stop
sinning; for there are some who are
ignorant of God--I say this to your
shame.

11. It All Comes Down to This
“If Jesus was raised from the dead, he is
God and Lord. If he was not, he was a
liar, and Christianity is false.”
Jim Denison

12. A Hard Saying
29 Now if there is no resurrection, what
will those do who are baptized for the
dead? If the dead are not raised at all,
why are people baptized for them?

13. A Hard Saying
Only place in Scripture that speaks of
“baptized for the dead”
Does not fit what Paul teaches about
salvation and baptism
Paul does not condemn the practice

14. A Hard Saying
Paul’s Argument: Baptism … as is
everything else … is irrelevant without
Jesus’ resurrection!
Logical fallacy of “pagans” who deny
resurrection but baptize the dead

15. It All Comes Down to This
“If Jesus was raised from the dead, he is
God and Lord. If he was not, he was a
liar, and Christianity is false.”
Jim Denison

16. Life Line
“first fruits”
Feast of Weeks (7 weeks)
Day of First Fruits
1st day after Sabbath following Passover

17. Life Line
Gratitude
 Giving of the “Words”
 Became a nation committed to serving
God
Promise/Hope
 Harvest yet to come

18. Life Line
“first fruits”
Feast of Weeks (7 weeks)
Day of First Fruits
1st day after Sabbath following Passover

19. Life Line
Adam Sin Death
Jesus Sinless Life

20. Life Line
God’s “yes” to forgiveness
God cares for the whole person
Power for daily living
Our hope of a transformed world

21. Life Line
Jesus’ Death Penalty Past
Jesus’
Resurrection
Power Present
Jesus’ Return Presence Future

22. Galatians 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ and
I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
The life I live in the body, I live by faith
in the Son of God, who loved me and
gave himself for me.

23. Emptiness Full of Promise
“The world offers promises full of
emptiness. But Easter offers emptiness
full of promises.”
(Quoted by Carolyn Arands)

24. Life Line
Repent and Receive new life in Christ
Obey and be Baptized
Commit to membership in the church
Connect to a small group
Be equipped to disciple/mentor