The Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:35-44

Introduction

1.      Life looks pretty miserable when you watch the news on TV or read the newspaper

2.      Reading the Old Testament is pretty much the same

3.      Yet there is another view, a view of the future for God’s people – it centers in the resurrection, not just an idea, but a reality  

Discussion

1.      There will be a resurrection

a.       It is in the OT – Job 19:25-27; Ps 16:10; 17:15; 49:15; Is 26:19; Dan 12:2; Hosea 13:14  

b.      Jesus taught it – John 5:28-29; Matt 22:29-32 – implied in the passages in Matthew 25  

c.       Jesus was raised as the “first fruits” (1 Cor 15:23) – the tomb was empty, the dead body was never found; he met with his disciples, talked with them, ate with them  

2.      There will be a resurrection of the body

a.       Man is composed of body, soul and spirit – 1 Thess 5:23  

b.      Notice what happened to the dead girl in Luke 8:55  

c.       Paul describes what happens – 1 Cor 15:35-44  

d.      Description of how it happens – 1 Cor 15:50-55 and Rom 8:10-11  

e.       We will share in what happened to Jesus – 1 John 3:1-5  

3.      The resurrection day will be a joyous day for the people of God

a.       2 Cor 5:1-5

b.      1 Thess 4:13-18

c.       Here is what it will be like – Rev 19:1-9  

Conclusion

1.       Young people prepare themselves for life in this world, education, a career, marriage and a family

2.      Even more importantly, everyone needs to be prepared for what lies beyond this life

3.      Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life – John 14:6