The Power of the Resurrection

Every Easter, you might hear whispers of doubt: “The resurrection of Jesus? Just a myth, recycled from ancient stories of dying and rising gods.” But there’s no evidence to support that claim. The God revealed in Jesus is utterly unique. Even Paul Veyne, a French historian and self-described unbeliever, marveled at this. He wrote, “In the gospel, a person’s life suddenly acquired eternal significance within a cosmic plan… The genius of Christianity was this: the infinite mercy of a God passionate about the fate of each and every individual soul, including mine and yours” (When Our World Became Christian, 2010). Think about that—from someone who didn’t even believe in God!

What makes Jesus different? No other religion or philosophy claims that God would step into our brokenness, suffer in our place, and rise again to give us eternal purpose. The resurrection isn’t just a cosmic spectacle—it’s personal. Jesus didn’t just die for the world; He died for you.

Last week, we explored Romans 5:8: “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Christ’s death secured our atonement, bringing justification (being made right with God) and reconciliation (restoring our relationship with Him). But how can we be sure? Romans 5:10 answers: “We will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.” It’s Jesus’ resurrection that guarantees our forgiveness, our new relationship with God, and our eternal life.

This is why the resurrection is the heartbeat of the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Paul shares an early Christian creed, a foundational truth: Christ died, was buried, rose again, and appeared to Peter, the apostles, over 500 witnesses, and Paul himself. In Corinth, some Christians struggled with this. Influenced by Greek philosophy, which taught that only the soul survives death, they questioned bodily resurrection. So Paul reminds them: the resurrection isn’t a fairy tale—it’s a historical fact, verified by eyewitnesses, many still alive to testify.

In 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Paul explains why the resurrection is non-negotiable. Let’s look at his three reasons.

1. Denying Resurrection Undermines the Gospel (vv. 12-14)

Paul confronts a problem: some Corinthian believers accepted Jesus’ resurrection but denied a general resurrection for others. Influenced by Greek ideas that viewed the body as evil, they thought only the soul endured. Paul is blunt: “If there’s no resurrection of the dead, then Christ didn’t rise either. And if Christ hasn’t been raised, our preaching is useless, and so is your faith.” Without the resurrection, the Gospel collapses. No risen Savior means no forgiveness, no reconciliation, no eternal life. It’s like building a house on sand (Matthew 7). Have you ever doubted God’s promises? Easter reminds us: the tomb is empty, and that truth anchors our faith.

2. No Resurrection, No Salvation (vv. 15-19)

Paul raises the stakes: “If Christ has not been raised, we are… false witnesses about God.” The apostles didn’t preach ethics; they staked their lives on seeing the risen Jesus. If He didn’t rise, their testimony is a lie. Worse, “your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” Without resurrection, Christ’s death doesn’t atone—there’s no justification, no reconciliation. Those who died trusting Jesus are lost forever, and our hope is reduced to this life alone, making Christians “of all people most to be pitied.” Why suffer or live sacrificially if there’s no resurrection? Paul rejects the Greek notion of souls drifting as shadows. We are embodied beings, and eternal life requires a bodily resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:4).

3. Christ Is Risen, Our Hope Is Sure (v. 20)

Then Paul flips the script: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Jesus’ resurrection is historical, not mythical. Three realities confirm it:

• Eyewitnesses: Peter, the apostles, over 500 people, and Paul saw Jesus alive. Their courage, even unto death, proves they saw the risen Lord.
• The Empty Tomb: The Gospels report it, and Jesus’ enemies didn’t deny it (Matthew 28:11-15). If His body was still there, they’d have displayed it to crush Christianity.
• Transformed Lives: The disciples went from fear to boldness (Acts 4:13-20). Paul, a persecutor, became a missionary (Acts 9:1-6). Lives still change today because Jesus lives.

“Firstfruits” means Jesus’ resurrection is the beginning of the harvest—our resurrection is next. Because He’s human, His victory is ours. The empty tomb declares: your salvation is secure!

Living as Easter People

Paul’s message is clear: deny the resurrection, and we lose atonement, reconciliation, and eternity. But Christ is risen, the guarantee of our salvation. So how do we respond?

1. Believe: If you’re doubting, consider the evidence—hundreds saw Jesus alive. Trust Him as your risen Savior. If you’ve never given your life to Christ, today’s the day—He’s alive to save you.
2. Live: Live like Easter is true. Pray confidently, knowing Jesus hears. Share this hope with a friend or neighbor. Write down a fear—death, failure, loss—and cross it out, because the tomb is empty.
3. Worship: Praise the God who raised Jesus. Imagine the day when He returns, when we receive new, Spirit-empowered bodies to live in God’s new creation, reflecting His character in all we do.

Big Idea: The resurrection of Jesus means our sins are forgiven and our place in God’s new creation is secure. This is the anchor of our faith, grounded in a real event 2,000 years ago.

Challenge: This week, write out the hope you have in Jesus. Putting it into words moves it from an idea to a tangible reality, strengthening you for life’s storms.

Final Thought: Imagine driving down a country road that ends at a wide river. No bridge, no way across. On your side, people stand in doubt and skepticism. But across the water, you see joyful, alive people who made it. How? The resurrection is the dividing line, and faith—backed by eyewitnesses, an empty tomb, and God’s power—is the ferry. Step onto it. Cross from doubt to belief, from death to life. That’s Easter’s invitation.

Prayer:

• Thank God for the hope we have in Jesus and our place in His new creation.
• Ask for forgiveness, reorienting your life to Jesus.
• Commit to following Him.

If you’re struggling to hear God’s voice or want to take the step of baptism to begin your journey with Christ, let’s talk. The risen Jesus is ready to meet you.

Paul’s Ponderings
Reflecting on the truth that transforms.

Sunday Prayer: The Hope of the Resurrection

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of our faith. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15, if King Jesus has not been raised, our faith is futile, and we are still in our sins. But You, in Your infinite love and power, raised Him from the dead, declaring victory over sin and death.

Lord, we thank You for this truth that anchors our hope. Because Christ is risen, we are no longer lost, but found; no longer condemned, but redeemed. His resurrection assures us that death is not the end, and Your promises are true. Help us to live boldly in this reality, sharing the hope of eternal life with others.

Strengthen our faith when doubts arise, and fill us with the joy of knowing that Christ is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. May we walk in the light of His triumph, trusting that we, too, will rise with Him.

In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

Thinking Clearly About Truth

In today’s digital age, the pursuit of truth often feels like navigating a maze of confusion. Fake news, conflicting opinions, and unchecked narratives bombard us daily. A quick scroll through social media can leave us wondering: what is real, and how do we know?

This struggle to discern truth isn’t new. In John 18:37-38, during Jesus’ trial, Pilate asks Jesus the timeless question: “What is truth?” This question reflects the skepticism and uncertainty of his time—a skepticism that echoes loudly in our culture today.

But amid the noise of our media age, there’s good news: truth is not abstract or unattainable. Truth is grounded in a person—Jesus Christ. His resurrection is the cornerstone of truth, offering clarity and hope in a world of confusion.

The Reality of Confusion and Doubt 

• Pilate’s Skepticism 

Pilate’s question reveals a heart unsure of what to believe, mirroring the challenges we face. The relativism of his day parallels our culture’s tendency to view truth as subjective—“what’s true for you may not be true for me.” This mindset leads to division and mistrust.

• Biblical Truth 

Against this backdrop, Jesus declares: “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth” (John 18:37). Christ’s mission was to reveal truth about God, humanity, and the hope found in Him.

Truth, as defined biblically, corresponds to reality, is consistent and unchanging, and aligns with the character and revelation of God. It is not shaped by feelings, opinions, or trends.

The Foundation of Truth: The Resurrection of Jesus

• The Core of Christian Faith 

The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof of His divinity and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” Without the resurrection, Christianity crumbles.

• Why the Resurrection Matters 

1. Validation of Jesus’ Teachings: Everything Jesus taught—about God, salvation, and eternal life—is confirmed by His resurrection.

2. Victory Over Sin and Death: The empty tomb proclaims hope and life beyond this world.

3. A Standard for Truth: If the resurrection is true, then Jesus’ words carry ultimate authority, offering a clear lens to discern right from wrong.

Believing in the resurrection transforms our worldview, anchoring us in eternal hope and unshakable truth.

Discerning Truth in an Age of Misinformation

• The Challenge of Misinformation 

The digital age has made information more accessible—and more confusing. Every day, we’re faced with competing narratives that blur the lines between fact and fiction. This constant bombardment can lead to spiritual doubt and distraction.

• The Role of Scripture and the Holy Spirit

In John 17:17, Jesus prays, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” The Bible is a reliable and eternal source of truth, providing a standard against which all else is measured. Additionally, the Holy Spirit guides us into truth (John 16:13), helping us discern what aligns with God’s Word.

Practical Steps for Discerning Truth:

1. Test Everything Against Scripture (Acts 17:11): Measure information against God’s Word to see if it aligns with His teachings.

2. Seek the Holy Spirit’s Guidance (John 16:13): Pray for clarity and discernment.

3. Verify Sources and Cross-Check Facts: Don’t accept claims at face value—research and confirm their credibility.

4. Ask Critical Questions (Proverbs 18:17): Evaluate evidence and motives behind claims.

5. Evaluate the Fruit (Matthew 7:16-20): Consider the outcomes of believing something—does it lead to godliness or division?

By anchoring ourselves in Scripture, relying on the Holy Spirit, and practicing discernment, we can navigate misinformation with confidence. 

The Call to Live Out Truth

• Personal Integrity 

As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody truth in our actions and words. This includes being honest, consistent, and faithful witnesses to Christ’s transformative power.

• Sharing the Gospel Truth 

In a world searching for meaning, the gospel is the greatest truth we can offer. As 1 Peter 3:15 reminds us, we must always be prepared to give an answer for the hope we have—a hope rooted in the resurrection.

The resurrection is not just a historical event; it’s a life-changing truth that shapes how we live and believe. Let it guide your decisions, strengthen your faith, and inspire you to share Christ with others.

Final Thought

The search for truth ends at the empty tomb. Jesus came to bear witness to the truth, and His resurrection confirms it. In a world filled with confusion, the resurrection is our firm foundation.

Truth is not just an idea—it’s a person. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Let His resurrection guide you as you navigate the complexities of life, and may you boldly proclaim His truth to a world in desperate need.

A New Birth Into A Living Hope

1 Peter 1:3-5 (CSB)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

The apostle Peter wrote this letter to encourage and strengthen the persecuted believers in Asia Minor. In verses 1 and 2, Peter reminded them that they are God’s chosen people because of the Father’s plan, the Spirit’s transforming work, and the Son’s faithful obedience. 

In this passage, Peter celebrated the new birth that disciples of Jesus experience through faith in Christ, which provided them a living hope and an imperishable inheritance.

Peter wrote, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," which expressed his profound gratitude and worship for God's character and work. Peter recognized that God's gracious mercy is the source of all spiritual blessings and the foundation of salvation. God's mercy is not based on human merit or worthiness but flows from His infinite love and grace. Through His mercy, God has given us new birth that brings us from death to life and makes us children of God (John 1:12-13).

This new birth is not a result of our own efforts or achievements but is a gift of God's grace that is given to us through the faithfulness of Jesus and our trust in him. Peter emphasized that the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the ultimate proof and guarantee that this new birth is a reality and that God’s people now have a living hope. 

Jesus' resurrection validated his claims to be the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Through his resurrection, Jesus conquered Satan, sin, and death which saved us from the consequences of sin and secured eternal life for his faithful followers. As Paul wrote, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17). But because Christ has been raised, our faith is alive, vibrant, and victorious.

Peter also highlighted the nature and quality of the inheritance that all of God’s people receive through this new birth. The inheritance we have is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us. It is imperishable because it is not subject to decay, corruption, or death. It is eternal, incorruptible, and indestructible. It is undefiled because it is pure, holy, and perfect. It is untainted by sin, evil, or imperfection. It is unfading because it never loses its value, beauty, or glory. It is the perfect gift that God wants His people to have.

This inheritance is not something we earn or deserve but it is a gracious gift God gives to his people. It is not a temporary or earthly possession but an eternal and heavenly treasure. It is not a vague or abstract concept but a concrete and personal reality. It is something that is grander and more wonderful than we can imagine. It is not something we keep but something that keeps us. It is not something we can lose but something that is guarded by God's promise and power.

Peter also reassured the believers that their inheritance is secure and guarded by God's power through faith. The phrase "you are being guarded" implies ongoing and active protection by God's power. The verb tense suggests that this guarding is not a one-time event but a continuous process. God's power is not limited but it is eternal. His power is not arbitrary or random but is directed by His wisdom and love. God’s power is not passive or indifferent but is active and engaged.

This guarding is also through faith, which implies that Christians have a role to play in our spiritual security. Faith is not a passive or static belief but an active and dynamic trust in God's promises and character. Faith is not a blind or irrational leap but a reasonable and informed response to God's revelation. Faith is not a private or isolated experience but a communal and relational reality. Faith is not a temporary or fluctuating emotion but a persistent and persevering conviction.

Peter concluded this passage by reminding the believers that their salvation is not fully revealed yet, but it is ready to be revealed in the last time. This means that our inheritance is not fully realized yet, we have a glimpse of it, but it will be fully revealed when Jesus returns and makes everything right. Until then, believers must live in hope, faith, and obedience, knowing that their ultimate destiny is secure and glorious.

This passage is teaches that our hope and our salvation is all a work of God. It highlights the depth and breadth of God's mercy, the power and significance of Christ's resurrection, and the greatness and certainty of our inheritance. 

This passage also challenges us to live in a way that reflects the reality and hope of our new birth and inheritance. As Peter wrote later in his epistle, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). When we live out our hope we make Jesus real in the world.

As Christians, we have been born again into a living hope and an imperishable inheritance. We are guarded by God's power through faith as we wait for our salvation to be fully revealed. We need to live as children of God, shining the light of Christ in a dark world, and eagerly awaiting the day when we will see Him face to face and inherit all that He has promised.

Sunday Prayer: An Easter Prayer

Gracious God,

On this Easter day, I come before you with a heart full of gratitude and joy, for you have given me new life through the resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ.

I thank you for your abundant mercy and great love, which have given your people a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. I praise you for the imperishable inheritance that you have kept in heaven for all of us, who are protected by your power through faith.

As I celebrate this day, I pray that you would fill me with the joy and peace that come from knowing you and trusting in your promises. I ask that you would help me to live each day in the light of Jesus’ resurrection, empowered by the  Holy Spirit to love and serve others just as Jesus loved us.

May your grace and peace be with me always, and may I live in the hope of your promise of eternal life. I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the risen Lord and Savior of the World.

Amen.

Philippians: Knowing Christ

 

STOP — Philippians 3:7-11

Summarize

For Paul everything that he put his confidence and value in prior to Jesus has lost its worth. What matters to him now is knowing Jesus and having his life conformed to the way of Jesus through faith. Through this Paul hopes to experience the power of the resurrection in his life and witness the resurrection when Jesus returns.

Truth

Knowing Jesus is the most important part of our lives.

Observations

1. Paul was at the top of his world before Jesus. He had every reason to be confident and boastful about who he was and what he had achieved. After Jesus the things he thought were the most important: his obedience to the Law, his ancestry, his identity as a Pharisee and Jew...all of it was worth nothing compared to Jesus.
2. Paul’s attitude towards knowing Jesus causes me to reflect on my relationship with Jesus and I am reminded how easy it is for me to value other things. I want that faith that Paul had to believe that knowing Jesus is the most important part of life.
3. Our righteousness is not based on our actions but on Jesus. Often we can feel like failures because we realize how we have fallen short of God’s will for our lives. That is why we need to be reminded that through faith we receive Jesus’s righteousness. We don’t have to be discouraged, rather we keep submitting to discipleship in the belief that God will transform our lives in the process.
4. Paul’s goal was to experience the power of the resurrection. First, he wanted to experience in his life, that it would transform his life as he did the will of God and suffered in that work. Second, he hoped to experience the resurrection when Jesus returned to restore the world, make everything right, and bring his people back to life. The resurrection was central to Paul’s hope.

Prayer

Lord God, help me to experience knowing Jesus as the most important part of my life. May I not be satisfied with lesser things, but have a growing hunger for the resurrection life that Jesus has for people.

Tomorrow: Philippians 3:12-4:1

Be Humble and Pursue Truth

This tweet has been with me all the way through this year. Those closest to me know that Tom Woods has been a big influence in my life for the last decade (I discovered him sometime during Ron Paul’s 2008 Presidential run), mainly through his daily podcast.

As a person who strives to be a life-long learner, what Tom encourages people to do has been a goal of mine. I realize that the knowledge that I have is only a tiny drop compared to the vast amount of information that is in the world. It would be arrogant of me to approach life with the assumption that all my beliefs are correct. 

Over the years as I have read books and listened to lectures, sermons, and podcasts my beliefs have shifted and changed. Sometimes the change has been drastic such as going from conservative Republican to a Ron Paul Republican to a libertarian and finally to a anarcho-capitalist/Christian anarchist. Some changes have been more subtle like moving form a staunch young earth creationist view to being open to other possibilities. 

The apostle Paul in Romans wrote: “ Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, NLT)

God transforms us through the renewal and change of our thinking (see also Philippians 4:8 and Colossians 3:1-4). The thoughts and beliefs that are rolling around in our heads and hearts effect everything else about us. They form the structure of our worldview and they guide our actions and emotions. This is why God needs to change our thinking before transformation occurs in our lives.

Followers of Jesus also need to be confident that all truth is God’s truth. This means we want to be on the side of truth, whatever that looks like, because we know all truth comes from God. This gives us the freedom to admit that we might be wrong about things and to re-examine what we believe.

I will offer one bit of advice here: In our pursuit of truth we need a bedrock truth that is able anchor us in faith. Otherwise we are in danger of believing whatever sounds good to us.

For me, and I think for any follower of Jesus, that bedrock belief needs to be the resurrection of Jesus. Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 wrote (1 Corinthians 15:14, NLT), “And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.”

Because I think there is credible evidence to believe in the resurrection of Jesus, I secure my hope there, and let that be the foundation of my worldview.

As we enter the last month and half of 2020 may we set our faith in Jesus and allow God to guide our thinking, so our lives can be transformed.

Trust Jesus for New Life

It was strange to celebrate Easter at home this year. Right now Bethlehem, like most churches around the United States, are coping with the regulations given by our state government. Even though we cannot meet in person, we are doing what we can to continue to have a Christian community via the power of the internet.

This is the sermon I preached for Easter Sunday: Trust Jesus for New Life.

Hope and the Resurrection

My family is made up of pastors.

I am the pastor at Bethlehem Church in Austin, MN and my older bother is the pastor at Iowa City Church (our brother-in-law is also a pastor).

This past Friday my brother texted me and asked if I wanted to do a podcast with him about the resurrection of Jesus. So we spent 45 minutes talking about the hope of the resurrection, evidences for the resurrection, and the implications of the resurrection.

Here is the result.
     

The Most Important Sign

One day Moses was watching his father-in-law's sheep when something caught his eye. It appeared to be a bush that was on fire, but it wasn't being consumed.

Moses decided to investigate this strange sight. When He approached the strange phenomenon a voice called from the bush. 

It was at this moment God called Moses to deliver Israel from Egypt.

Moses asked, "But who am I to appear before Pharaoh? How can you expect me to lead the Israelites out of Egypt?"

God answered, "I will be with you. And this will serve as proof that I have sent you: When you have brought the Israelites out of Egypt, you will return here to worship God at this very mountain." (Exodus 3:11, 12; NLT).

I find it odd that the evidence God provided to Moses that He would be with Moses would happen after it is all said and done. Moses would know it was truly God who sent him when he returned to the mountain with Israel in tow.

Now did Moses lack proof that his calling was from God? 

No, God provided proof. 

There was the burning bush, the audible voice of God, and two signs: the staff into a snake and the leprosy of on Moses' hand. 

Moses witnessed the ten plagues, the Red Sea divide, and the pillar of cloud/fire which led Israel. 

All through his experience God showed Moses that He was with him.

Why was worshiping at Mt. Sinai the proof that God sent Moses? 

While all the miracles pointed to God and showed Moses that God was with them, none of it would have meant anything without God's covenant. 

It was at Mt. Sinai when God established a covenant with Israel. This covenant formally set them apart as God's people and separated them from all the nations of the world. 

If God delivered Israel from Egypt but never established a covenant with them it would have made little difference to them. They would not be God's chosen people. 

It was the covenant, the promise of God at Sinai which made all the difference.

Flash forward a few hundred years. Jesus turned water into wine. Not long after that he went to Jerusalem and cleared the marketplace out of the Temple.  He taught everywhere he went with authority. 

The religious leaders demanded:

"What right do you have to do these things? If you have this authority from God, show us a miraculous sign to prove it." Jesus replied, "All right. Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." (John 2:18, 19; NLT)

We know Jesus meant his death and resurrection when he talked about destroying the temple. That was the sign he gave to to those who demanded one.

 Jesus continued to teach, heal, feed thousands, walk on water, and calm storms. 

Much of what Jesus did provided evidence that he was the long awaited Messiah, the Son of God. But the ultimate sign, the one he said would offer the final proof of his authority, is the resurrection. 

All the miracles Jesus performed, all the teachings he taught, and even his death, meant nothing without the resurrection. 

If Jesus didn't rise from the dead we are still in our sins, and we are wasting our time.

Read what the apostle Paul says as well in 1 Corinthians 15:12-19:

But tell me this—since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no resurrection of the dead? For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. (NLT)

Here is the point. The central truth of Christianity is not the cross, but the resurrection. 

Just as the covenant established at Sinai gave meaning and significance to everything which happened before it, the resurrection gives meaning to everything Jesus did before his death. All the teachings and miracles find their meaning not Jesus' death, but his resurrection. 

The Resurrection of Jesus is what gives meaning and hope to Christianity.

What does that mean for us? 

Often we talk how Jesus' death was the sacrifice for sin. In some mysterious way the crucifixion of Jesus absorbed the wrath of evil and sin, and that is a wonderful truth that is worth celebrating.

Yet, without the resurrection, Jesus' death was just another sad reality of cruelty of the Roman Empire. The resurrection declares that all Jesus said and did was true. We can be confident that our sins are forgiven because the cross leads to an empty tomb. The resurrection promises new life and a better tomorrow. 

The resurrection is what sets Christianity apart from other religions and philosophies of the world. It is the evidence that needed to verify the validity of the teachings and put confidence in the promises.

Without the resurrection Jesus is just another good teacher and moral philosopher.  With the resurrection Jesus is the one true King of the universe who has promised to return and make everything right.

That is the difference this one event makes.