Easter Sunday Sermon Notes

Title: Of First Importance

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:3–8

Key Scripture

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared...”

— 1 Corinthians 15:3–5

Main Idea

The death, burial, resurrection, and appearances of Jesus Christ are of first importance because they are the heart of the gospel and the foundation of our faith.

Sermon Points

I. The Gospel is Proclaimed

- The gospel was received from God and faithfully delivered.

- Christ did not merely die; He died for our sins.

- Jesus stands alone because His death was not just noble, but saving.

- His death was substitutionary: He took our place, bore our judgment, and paid what we could not pay.

- The cross was not an accident; it was God’s plan according to the Scriptures.

II. The Grave is Powerless

- Jesus was truly buried, confirming that He truly died.

- Jesus was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.

- The resurrection means:

 - The sacrifice was accepted

 - Death has been defeated

 - Jesus’ claims are true

 - Our faith is living and not empty

- Because He lives, the worst thing is never the last thing for the child of God.

III. The Great Fact is Proven

- Jesus appeared to Peter, the twelve, more than 500 believers, James, all the apostles, and Paul.

- The resurrection is not wishful thinking, religious imagination, or blind faith.

- The risen Christ restores deniers, confronts doubters, and transforms enemies.

- The issue is not whether the evidence is there; the issue is whether we will respond to what God has made plain.

Key Truths

- Christ died for our sins.

- Christ was buried.

- Christ was raised on the third day.

- Christ was seen.

- Jesus is alive.

Application

- Stop looking in dead places for what only a living Savior can provide.

- Jesus is the only safe way home.

- Home is where the wandering ends, the burden comes off, and peace meets the soul.

- Only Jesus can forgive sin, remove guilt, and bring the lost back to God.

Invitation

- What will you do with Jesus?

- Sin will not save you. This world will not save you. Only Jesus saves.

- Come to Christ. Trust the Savior. Receive the gospel. Believe the good news.

Closing Declaration

Because the cross has spoken, the tomb is empty, and Jesus is alive.