The answer is: Raising of Jesus

1 Cor 15:14

Think about it: if there was no resurrection, then everything we know about faith tumbles down like a house of cards! In 1 Corinthians 15:14, Paul shoots straight from the hip, declaring that if Christ hasn’t been raised, all preaching is pointless, and you can forget about faith being meaningful. Just imagine attending a baseball game where they take away the baseball. Are fans really going to enjoy themselves?

This succinct verse underlines so much of early Christian belief. Paul was trying to validate the faith amidst the skepticism of the time. The resurrection wasn’t just a nifty miracle; it served as a stamp of approval on Jesus’ teachings and a beacon of hope for all believers. Fun fact: Paul wrote many of his letters letter while on the move and under extreme conditions! His relentless pursuit to share this message is nothing short of inspiring.

Beyond just a doctrine, the resurrection stands as a cornerstone of early Christianity. Lesser-known yet interesting: did you know that the concept of resurrection wasn’t entirely foreign to Jewish culture at the time? Groups like the Pharisees believed in resurrection, but how Paul framed it—emphasizing Christ's personal resurrection—added fresh flavor to the discourse of faith.

So whether you're skimming through Paul's epistles or wrestling with big life questions, keep in mind the euphoria and the impact of that early convictions: without the resurrection, it's like having all dressed for a party and then realizing the host forgot to even bake the cake!