Join us this week as Mike opens 1 Corinthians 15 and shows that if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is in vain, our faith is futile, we remain trapped in our sins, and those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished, leaving us most to be pitied. Yet in fact Christ has been raised as the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep, defeating death and guaranteeing new bodily life in God’s renewed creation. This resurrection means this world truly matters, our future is a perfected physical existence filled with joy and restored relationships, and our daily labor in the Lord is never in vain. Step boldly into the clean slate of forgiveness and live steadfast, fearless, and abounding in His work—your labor echoes into eternity. Watch on Youtube, Our Website – or listen on your favorite podcast app.
Bible Study Questions
- How does Paul’s logic in 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 challenge your understanding of what happens if Christ has not been raised?
- In what ways does the truth that Christ is the “first fruits” of those who have fallen asleep shape the way you view your own future and the future of creation?
- Why does the resurrection of Jesus mean that this present world truly matters, and how might that change how you live day to day?
- How does the promise of a perfected physical body and renewed creation give you comfort and hope, especially when facing aging, illness, or loss?
- Paul concludes that because of the resurrection we should be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” What does “your labor is not in vain” look like in your everyday life right now?