TITLE: Miserable Christians

TEXT: I Corinthians 15:12-19

PROPOSITION: Hope in the resurrection is required.

QUESTION: What?

KEY WORD: Lines of thought

READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

          1. Hope is essential to Christianity.

          2. NEVER TAKE AWAY HOPE!

          3. Think with me for a few minutes.

I. IF - no resurrection, THEN:

          A. Christ is not raised

                    1] Jesus not Son of God

                    2] Rom. 1:4

          B. Preaching is vain

                    1] Preaching saves believers 1 Cor. 1:21

                    2] Much preaching is "vain."

          C. Faith is vain

                    1] What is there to believe about a liar?

          D. Apostles are liars

          E. Still in sins - no forgiveness

                    1] No forgiveness under animal sacrifices

                    2] Still seeking pardon from our sins

          F. All who die are lost, gone forever

                    1] Is this life all there is?

                    2] Die = dead all over, like your dog Rover?

          G. This life is miserable

II. SINCE - there is a resurrection, THEN:

                    Acts 24:15 "there shall be a resurrection"

          A. Endure tribulations Rom. 5:2-5 "exp. brings hope"

          B. Stand on Promises Acts 26:6-7

          C. Study the Scriptures Rom. 15:4 "comfort of Sc."

                    1. 1 Thess. 4:18 "Comfort one another"

          D. Speak up 2 Cor. 3:12 "plainness of speech"

          E. Anchor your soul Heb. 6:18-19 "sure and steadfast"

          F. Not ashamed Phil. 1:20 "in nothing shall be ash."

          G. Continue Col. 1:23 "be not moved from the hope"

                    1. 1 Pet. 1:13 "And hope to the end"

                    2. Heb. 3:6 "Hope firm unto the end"

          H. Sorrow not 1 Thess. 4:13 "as others with no hope"