Resurrected Hope, Resurrected Life

1 Corinthians 15 | Easter Sunday – April 20, 2025

Welcome & Introduction

The single greatest expression of power, authority, grace, and mercy is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Because of the Resurrection, our hope is alive.

There is nothing in this world that will bring you down faster than a man without hope.

Prayer

Scripture Reading

1 Corinthians 15:1–8
Paul reminds us of the gospel: Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose on the third day, and appeared to many.

Main Idea: We Have Hope Because He Lives

I. Hope for the Forgiveness of Sins

1 Corinthians 15:3 – Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.

• A. Sin Condemns Us – Jesus Condemns Sin
  Romans 8:1–4 – There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

• B. Sin Enslaves Us – Jesus Frees Us
  Galatians 5:1 – For freedom Christ has set us free.

• C. Reflective Question
  Are you still walking around enslaved and condemned by sin?

  With sin there is no hope, but in Christ, we have the greatest and living hope.

II. Hope with Confidence

1 Corinthians 15:5–9 – Jesus appeared to Cephas, the twelve, over 500 others, James, all the apostles, and Paul.

• A. Eyewitness Testimony Matters
  Just as eyewitness testimony can lead to a conviction, the many who saw Jesus after His resurrection gave compelling testimony.

• B. Eyewitnesses Had Everything to Lose
  Many apostles died brutal deaths for proclaiming the resurrection:

  • Peter: Crucified upside down in Rome

  • Andrew: Crucified in Greece

  • Thomas: Speared by soldiers

  • Philip: Put to death after converting a Roman official’s wife

  • Matthew: Stabbed in Ethiopia

  • Bartholomew: Killed

  • Simon the Zealot: Killed in Persia

  • Matthias: Burned to death

  • John: Imprisoned

  • James: Stoned and clubbed

• C. Paul’s Radical Transformation
  A former persecutor of Christians, Paul encountered the risen Christ and was ultimately beheaded for preaching the gospel.

• D. Confident Hope

  Your hope in Christ isn’t in vain—it’s justified. If your hope isn’t in Christ, where is it?

III. Hope for Tomorrow

1 Corinthians 15:19–23 – Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

• A. Hope Beyond This Life

  If our hope is in this life only, we are to be pitied. But we have hope for eternity.

• B. Because He Lives, We Live
  Jesus’ resurrection guarantees our own future resurrection.

• C. Resurrection Victory
  1 Corinthians 15:54–57 –
  “Death is swallowed up in victory... Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

• D. A Call to Respond

  Have you believed? Have you repented? Have you followed Him in baptism?
  Make this Easter the most meaningful one yet.

Conclusion: A Confident Hope for a Better Tomorrow

• John 3:16–17 – God gave His Son so we could have eternal life.

• Romans 3:23 – All have sinned.

• Romans 6:23 – The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.

• Romans 10:9–11 – If you confess and believe, you will be saved.

Follow Him in Baptism

• Colossians 2:12 – Buried and raised with Him through faith.

• Romans 6:4 – Buried with Him into death, raised to walk in newness of life.

Want to follow Him in baptism or surrender your life to Him? Reach out to us at .