Resurrection

It seems to me that Christians are more than willing to talk about the cross, sing about the cross, wear the cross, and are always remembering the death and sacrificing of Jesus.  Don't take me wrong--that's a very good thing.  However, the cross is only half the story.  The resurrection is a vital part of the Christian faith.
Paul tells us why in 1 Corinthians 15 (if you haven't read it recently, do so--it's beautiful rhetoric), first giving extensive proofs of the resurrection, and then explaining its necessity.  Have you ever considered that without the resurrection, Jesus' death would have been absolutely pointless?  Without Christ's resurrection, "your faith is futile, you are still in your sins." (1 Cor 15:17)  The reason the resurrection is so essential to the Christian faith is found in the beginning of time. We inherited death from Adam.  If Jesus had  not conquered death through the resurrection, death would still be the victor.  Jesus conquered sin through the cross, but he conquered death through the resurrection.  "But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (15:57)  Hallelujah! He reigns VICTORIOUS!