Preached by Pastor Mike Hess Sunday morning 04/04/2010.
The Resurrection – The Real Truth and Real Hope
1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 12-20
I. The Importance of the Complete Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
The Gospel is God’s “Good News” to us –
1. Jesus Christ lived the life we could not live
2. Jesus Christ died the death that we deserved to die
3. Jesus Christ rose from the dead triumphantly and victoriously
An empty cross = an empty tomb
II. No Resurrection Equals an Empty Message (1 Corinthians 15:12-15)
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” 1 Peter 3:18
III. No Resurrection Equals an Empty Faith (1 Corinthians 15:16-18)
2 systems of belief:
1. One that depends on human nature
2. One that depends and trusts completely in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Faith in Christ Brings:
Joy _ Assurance _ Boldness _ Forgiveness _ Truth _ Hope _ Faith _ Love _ New Desires
“Real faith in Jesus can exist only when He is regarded as the eternal Son of God, come voluntarily to earth for our redemption, manifesting His glory even in the days of His flesh, now risen from the dead and holding communion with those who commit their lives to Him.” J. Gresham Machen
IV. No Resurrection Equals Misery (1 Corinthians 15:19)
“these things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
V. The Reality of the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20)
“who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” Romans 4:25
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he died, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25
The resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Secures Heaven for those who know Christ+
Secures hope in this life
Secures a future resurrected body raised in the likeness of Christ
Secures a meaningful and living faith in the gospel
Secures joy now and for eternity
Secures absolute assurance when we face death
“because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9