Taking all of this into consideration, William Lane Craig writes:

"In considering the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus, it is important to avoid giving the impression that the Christian faith is based on the evidence for Jesus' resurrection.  The Christian faith is based on the event of the resurrection.  It is not based on the evidence for the resurrection.  This distinction is crucial.  The Christian faith stands or falls on the event of the resurrection.  If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then Chrisitanity is a myth, and we may as well forget it.  But the Christian faith does not stand or fall on the evidence for the resurrection...I think that in fact the historical evidence for Jesus' resurrection is good–remarkably good.  But that evidence is not the basis of the Christian faith.” (The Son Rises - preface)

For more reading be sure to check out William Lane Craig’s book The Son Rises.  And for a great movie night pick you can watch the story of Lee Strobel in “A Case for Christ”. 

Pastor Jeremy