miGraceChurch

Healthy churches that thrive in effective ministry have leaders with...

I. Future Plans and Desires for the Church. (5-7)

II. Immediate Blessing and Burdens of ministry. (8-9)

III. Growing Concern for Young Pastors. (10-11)

IV. Abiding Love for Fellow Workers. (12)

My giving to the work of the Lord is an act of worship and not in vain when it is:

I. In Partnership (v.1)

II. Prioritized (v.2a)

III. Proportional (v.2b)

IV. Purposeful (v.3-4)

VI. The Resurrection is a sneak preview of our triumphant destiny.

Paul concludes chapter 15 by offering great hope for the future and great direction for today:

A. A bright hope for the future. (50-56) Four important realities about the kingdom of God.

B. A call to Worship for Life. (57-58)

Three appropriate resolutions for believers today:

1. Be thankful. (57)

2. Don't give up. (58a)

3. Rest in confidence. (58b)

VI. The resurrection is a sneak preview of our triumphant destiny. Paul concludes chapter 15 by offering great hope for the future and great direction for today:

A. A bright hope for the future. (50-56)

Four important realities about the future kingdom of God:

1. Entrance requires new birth. (50)

2. We will be radically and instantly changed. (51-53)

3. We will witness the fulfillment of all God's promises. (54)

4. We will join the Victor's song. (55-56)

V. The Resurrection promises Christians a New and Glorious Body

A. Lesson from Creation: General Revelation (35-41)

B. Life Application from Christ: Special Revelation (42-49)

1. The Power of God is displayed in our body's Transformation.

The Christian body will be:

a. Sown in Corruption but raised in Incorruption. (42)

b. Sown in Dishonor but raised in Glory. (43A)

c. Sown in Weakness but raised in Power. (43B)

d. Sown a Natural body but raised a Spiritual body. (44)

2. The work of Christ is displayed in us as His New Creation. (45-49)

a. The First Adam was Given Life but the Second Adam is the one who Gives Life. (45-46)

b. The First Adam was made from Dust but the Second Adam is the Uncreated One from Heaven. (47)

c. Children of the First Adam are Like Him and those of the Second Adam will be Like Christ. (48)

d. Bearing the image of the First Adam cannot compare with bearing the image of the Incarnated and Resurrected Christ Jesus. (49)

V. The Resurrection promises Christians a New and Glorious Body

When we consider God's creation, God's revelation, and our resurrection we should all respond in Wonder and Worship!

A. Lessons from Creation: General Revelation (35-41) What can we learn about the resurrection from different...

1. Seeds (36-38)

a. A seed must die before it can be raised as a plant. (36)

b. The seed that is planted is different than the plant that grows up. (37)

c. God is the sovereign Creator and Architect. (38)

2. Species - Created living beings all differ in glory. (39)

a. Mankind

b. Animals

c. Fish

d. Birds

3. Spheres - Created bodies in the universe all differ in glory. (40-41)

a. There is a difference in glory between Celestial and Terrestrial bodies. (40)

b. There is difference in glory between the various Lights in the sky. (41)

IV. The Resurrection Fuels our Motivation for Ministry

A. If the resurrection is fiction then...

1. We lose the right motive for evangelism

2. We lose all confidence when suffering

3. We lose our ability to be fearless when facing death

4. We lose our passion for Godliness

B. Assured that the resurrection is a Fact - as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ...

1. We Grow in our passion for Godliness

2. We Stand fearless when facing Death

3. We Serve with confidence even when Suffering

4. We Witness with the right motive for Evangelism

III. The Resurrection is Fatal to our Mighty Enemies

We have every reason to rejoice and no reason to fear because...

A. Jesus robbed the grave

B. Jesus opened up the way for the rest of us

C. Jesus overcame where Adam failed

D. Jesus is coming again, then His saints will rise

E. In the end, all will recognize that Jesus reigns over all

F. The supremacy of God the Son will bring ultimate glory to God the Father

II. The Resurrection is essential to our unshakable hope

A. What do we lose if Christ was not raise from the dead?

1. A living Savior

2. A trustworthy message

3. A worthwhile faith

4. Our credibility as Christians

5. Our living hope

6. Our salvation

7. The forgiveness of our sins

8. Every person that has already died trusting in Christ

9. Every motive for evangelism

B. What do we have to gain by Christ's resurrection from the dead?

1. Everything that is truly significant here in this life

2. Everything that is truly important for all eternity

What does every person need to know and embrace about the Resurrection?

I. The Resurrection is Foundational to our Christian Faith (1-11)

A. Why is the Gospel so Important? - it is God's message and it is the only gospel that saves sinners

B. What is the Simple Gospel? - the core belief of the Christian faith

1. Christ Jesus died for our sins

2. Christ Jesus was buried

3. Christ Jesus rose again the third day

4. Christ Jesus was seen alive from the dead

C. How do we know the Christian gospel is true? - the evidence of transformed lives

D. What is our Responsibility to the Gospel? - we preach, some believe, the Gospel unites believers in the faith, and God gets ALL the glory.