This week is Easter Sunday and we’re going to take a break from the Book of Job and reflect on the resurrection of Christ and what that should mean to us.  We’re going to look at one of the great Easter texts as we consider the resurrection of Christ.  This is an important thing to do at a time when Christians around the world are celebrating this glorious event.  We live in a day and age which is quite unfriendly to the truth of the resurrection, and so we need to be sure why we believe in it and that we understand its significance for us.  The doctrine of the resurrection was central in the teaching and preaching of the apostles.  In our passage this week, 1 Corinthians 15:12-23, the Apostle Paul examines the implications of the resurrection.  He defends the doctrine of the future resurrection of believers from the vantage point of Christ’s resurrection.

Essentially, he's challenging the faith of these Christians.  This is what's most important!  Do you really believe this?  Is it making a difference in your life?  Or are you just giving it lip service?  This week is a great time to be reminded why the "gospel basics" are so important.  The resurrection gives us confidence to receive Jesus’ great teachings and to believe the Gospel.  That Christ's work is complete, and redemption is accomplished, gives us assurance.  That Christ died manifests His love and willingness to save.  That Christ rose again demonstrates His power and His ability to save.  It is fundamental to our expectation of rising from the dead ourselves.  And so we’ll think about these things this Sunday.  On Easter.  See you there, Dr. Dave