The truth of the resurrection is the most important truth in the Christian life. Denying the resurrection is the greatest problem Paul had to address with the Corinthian church because the Christian life hinges on the truth of the resurrection. If Christ is not risen, everything falls apart: ministry is empty and vain; all Christians are liars; faith is futile; we are still in our sins; great cloud of witnesses before us have perished and aren’t saved; hope in Christ doesn’t extend beyond this life and we of all men are the most pitiable. The message of the Gospel is beyond only being morally good--it’s about sinners being forgiven and given new life now and eternally. What does the resurrection mean to you now? The resurrection is not only a future hope of heaven, but has everything to do with our lives now. We share in Jesus’ life--we must participate in Christ’s risen life. We can’t imitate Christ without participating in Christ. In Christ all shall be made alive. The resurrection affirms the redemption of all things. All of creation groans for this redemption. In Christ’s resurrection, the redemption of all things has started. This is a foretaste of what’s to come, so we must walk by faith, not sight. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we must work now to reconcile others to God and to each other. Actively participate in this ministry of reconciliation. The resurrection is more than a historical event--it is a participation. If you’re trying in the flesh, you are not participating in the resurrection. If you participate in Christ’s resurrection through faith, you will be raised from the death of sin to newness of life.