HOPE IS ALIVE

1 Corinthians 15:12–19 NKJV

Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

Main Idea: God gives hope through the resurrection of Jesus.

Key Question: Do you need hope today?

1. Hope is our message. (v. 14a)

1 Corinthians 15:14 NKJV

And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.

A dead savior makes us a better citizen for hell!

Matthew 28:5–7 NKJV

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

matt 28:5-

1 Corinthians 15:3 NKJV

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

2. Hope is our faith. (v. 14b)

1 Corinthians 15:14 NKJV

And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.

All substance of life is determined by an empty tomb.

Colossians 3:1–4 NKJV

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Hebrews 11:1 NKJV

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

3. Hope is our redemption. (v. 17)

1 Corinthians 15:17 NKJV

And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!

Ephesians 2:1 NKJV

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

Ephesians 2:5 NKJV

even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

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Colossians 2:13 NKJV

And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,

4. Hope is alive. (v. 19)

1 Corinthians 15:19 NKJV

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

Hope is dead without an alive savior.

1 Corinthians 15:20–25 NKJV

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.