First Things First – According to Paul 1 Corinthians 15v1, 3-4 “Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand… For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” The Gospel centers on the reality that Christ was crucified, died and rose again. “For what I received…” (1 Corinthians 15v3) Jesus died on the cross for our sins and was buried. Next, he rose from the dead and appeared to hundreds of people, including the disciples. That’s the Gospel Paul received directly from the Lord Jesus and was confirmed by his brothers and sisters in Christ. Wolves at the door… (Acts 20v29-31) “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock… So be on your guard!” NO Resurrection? NO Savior. (1 Corinthians 15v12-34) Our preaching is useless. Having faith at all is useless. We have told people lies about God. If the dead don’t rise, then Christ never rose. If Christ never rose then you and I are still lost in our sin. Paul rebukes and reasons with them and calls them to return to Jesus. They Fear A Risen Christ. We can claim that the resurrection is historically true the same way we establish most historical events. We piece together the evidence and draw a conclusion. (Occam’s razor – simplest explanation is best.) What Evidence Points To The Truth Of The Resurrection? 1)The Empty Tomb. -Jesus’ friends took the body? OR: -His enemies removed the body? OR: -Jesus truly rose from the dead! 2) Post Resurrection Appearances. 3) The Changed Disciples. The Risen Christ Changed The World Forever! The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. That’s why it’s central, that’s why it comes first.