And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised.
There are few things sadder than witnessing someone realize their life has been a hollow lie as they seek something, only to realize that it does not exist, like the Holy Grail. That is what Paul told the church in Corinth, that if Jesus is not raised, we are the most pitiful of people. I think of the thousands of hours of sermon preparation proclaiming the Risen Lord and, because of 1st Corinthians 15, I can be sure that our life is not a hollow lie but a solid calling. This chapter lays out the reasons for the hope that we have because he appeared to Peter, the twelve, 500 at one time, and finally to Saul of Tarsus, who became Paul the Apostle.
Surely doubts creep into our minds in our weak moments but they serve only to drive us to the Scriptures for reinforcement of our belief that…
Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures…(1 Cor. 15:3-4)
So today, in accordance with the Scriptures, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved, and be prepared to give a reason for your joy and hope to someone with neither, who is living a hollow lie.
Dear Lord, thank you that you have revealed yourself to us with convincing proofs, a changed life, and a supernatural joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church