Introduction

1. 1 Corinthians15:1-4.....13-21
   • The darkest day - death of Jesus. The brightest day - resurrection.
2. Universal Radio - 33 A. D. in Jerusalem.
   • Job asked the age old question - “If a man die, shall he live again?”

1. Death Is the Common Lot of All Mankind:

1. The planet earth is a vast graveyard.
   • Illust.: Harry Houdini - “If there is a way out of grave, I’ll find it.”
2. Scriptures: Psalms 103:15-16; Isaiah 64:6; Psalms 23:4; 31:5; 116:15; 2 Corinthians 5:1, 7.
3. Hope - Proverbs 14:32. No hope - Proverbs 11:7

2. The Hope of the Resurrection

1. Nature teaches a resurrection.
2. Paul instructed Agrippa about resurrection - Acts 26:8
3. Paul, Peter and early Christians believed in the resurrection.
   • Christ is the first fruit of the resurrection - I Corinthians 15:20
4. What would life be without hope of the resurrection?
   1. Preaching in vain - V. 14
   2. Faith is foolish - V. 14
   3. Disciples would be false witnesses - V. 15
   4. Still in our sins - V. 17
5. Romans 4:25
   1. No resurrection....no Savior...no forgiveness....no justification...no cleaning from sin...the penalty of sin is still upon us.
   2. Death would have dominion over us - V. 18
6. Paul ended this Resurrection Chapter with hope - V. 51-57
7. Where does Christ dwell? At right hand of God in heaven.
   • How does He dwell in us? “By faith”. - Gal. 2:20; Eph. 3:17

Conclusion:

1. During the past three weeks, we have looked into the TRIAL OF JESUS (spiritual and civil), His CRUCIFIXION and His RESURRECTION.
   1. Do you believe that Jesus died, was buried and rose again from the grave -
      • This is the GOSPEL STORY - II Corinthians 15:1-4
2. Christ does not RESIDE in the heart where He does not PRESIDE over it.
   1. Will you crown Him “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS?”