Scripture Reading: Romans 1:1–4

Introduction

A. Many have given their lives for things that they believed in. What makes Christianity different from every other faith?

B. The real difference is the empty tomb.

Discussion

I. No matter who you are, the empty tomb is hard to deny.

A. Some have proposed that Jesus merely swooned on the cross, that His body was stolen (cf. Matthew 28:11–15), or that the disciples came to the wrong tomb.

B. All of these theories have serious flaws, and none account for the claimed resurrection witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:1–6).

II. The resurrection of Jesus is what makes all the difference.

A. It made all the difference in Peter’s life (Matthew 26:69–71; Acts 4:18–20; 3:14–16; 2 Peter 1:16).

B. It made all the difference in Paul’s life (Galatians 1:10–15; 1 Corinthians 15:14–19).

C. Christianity stands or falls with the resurrection, because it is intimately linked with every essential element of the faith (Romans 1:4; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 17:31; 1 Peter 1:3).

Conclusion

A. The resurrection has made all the difference in the lives of countless men and women over the past 2,000 years, and it can make all the difference in your life.

B. God can raise you to “walk in newness of life” just as He raised Jesus (Romans 6:4) if you will come to Him.