THE REASON FOR OUR HOPE
Sunday (04/03), we continue our series in the book of 1 Corinthians (15:1-11). The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth in response to a letter he had received full of numerous questions and controversies threatening to undo everything accomplished over the last two years.
Paul began this last part of his letter by moving from practical things the church was facing to the essential doctrines that are a must for a healthy growing New Testament body of believers. First, in chapters twelve through fourteen, he defined and explained the role of spiritual gifts in the church's life.
Now, he moves on to the cornerstone of essential doctrine, that is, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which guarantees the physical resurrection of the believer. He tells the church that if the rising of Jesus from the dead is untrue, then everything about their faith falls apart.
If there is no physical resurrection, then Jesus has not been raised from the dead. His preaching is rendered void and empty. He is labeled a false prophet, and the church is still dead in their sins. And that means that they and all those who have placed their faith in Christ are to be pitied. Therefore, they will perish being eternally separated from God when they die.
That is how important this doctrine is to the church. So, Paul begins his case by first proving the physical resurrection of our crucified Savior. Because if Jesus being raised is true, then we can rest in these glorious words from Jesus, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25-26).
I’ve entitled our series in 1 Corinthians “Living Upright in a Fallen World.” I pray the Holy Spirit will ignite a fire in our hearts. A desire to burn brightly, for Him, in a world desperate to know the power of the Gospel.
I look forward to our time together. Please pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the entire Calvary Chapel family.
There are several opportunities for worship. On-campus (10:00 am), drive-in church (92.1fm), and online (Facebook and YouTube: Calvary Inverness)
Jesus Our Righteousness,
Pastor