1 Corinthians 15 Resurrection 25.6.00 A coach load of tourists once got lost along a twisty backroad in County Donegal. The trip was not well organised and this was the last straw. One passenger cried out in exasperation, "Why are we all here?" to which one cynic quickly replied "Because we're not all there". Do you ever ask that about church? Why are we all here? Why do we do this? Is there a worthwhile reason behind it all? This chapter of God's Word gives us that reason. Almost 2000 years ago a man came back from the dead as no one before or since has ever done. This was not a temporary stoppage of the heart and resuscitation, for this man rose never to die again and His resurrection has changed world history forever. In 1 Corinthians 15 the Apostle Paul, having written an anxious and difficult letter to one of the congregations he founded, reminds them and us of why he bothered. Resurrection. That's why we're all here. Resurrection. That is the motivation for praise and prayer and devotion and obedience. Resurrection. That is why when we're discouraged or frustrated we don't give up but stay on committed to building Christ's church. See here what Paul says about it. 1. First that the fact of Jesus Christ's resurrection on that first Easter morning is the foundation of the Gospel message. In v1-8 He stresses the resurrection as a historical fact, attested by living, identifiable witnesses. In v 9-19 he demonstrates if there is no resurrection then Jesus and the apostles are liars, the Gospel is fraudulent, there is no assurance in religious faith and no known hope beyond the grave. But in v20-28 he declares emphatically Christ has indeed been raised from the dead and spells out some of the implications. His resurrection by God's power authenticates His message as God's message. If He was right when He predicted His resurrection we must take seriously what else He said. That He will return to the Earth in glory with His angels. That everyone who's ever lived will also be raised to stand judgement before God. That evil and death itself will be brought to an end by God and His Kingdom will bring healing and wholeness to the universe and human society forever. This is basic Christian faith. This is what Christians believe. This sets our agenda. We base our lives and everything we do on this view of the world and the future. 2. Resurrection is fact and it is fundamental to Christian faith. Note secondly that resurrection is the destiny to be shared by God's people. When a Christian dies now, their soul goes to be with the Lord. But when Jesus returns in glory their body will be raised from the dust to which it has returned and given new life. In v 35-49 Paul mentions 5 things that will be new and different about our bodies in this future time of resurrection. First they'll be immortal. They'll never age or wear out like our bodies do now. Paul uses the word "imperishable". Jesus rose never to die again. So will those who trust in Him. Secondly they'll be glorious. No more shame or dishonour sometimes experienced in this physical world. While we'll still be ourselves, still recognisable in resurrection we'll have a God-given glory appropriate for life in the heavenly kingdom. Thirdly our new bodies will be raised in power instead of weakness. No more disability. No more sickness. No more exhaustion. I'm not sure if I'll be taller or some other folk will be shorter but we will all have a wholeness and energy from the Lord to go on serving Him forever! Fourthly our resurrection bodies will be spiritual, not limited by our present nature. When the disciples met Jesus after the resurrection they could see Him, recognise Him, touch Him. He could eat with them and speak to them. But He could do more. He could appear and disappear. He was and is no longer bound by time and space as we are for now. In the resurrection they'll be no limits. Fifthly in that time of resurrection and restoration we who have here and now trusted in Christ for forgiveness and help in the struggle against sin will struggle no more. We shall see Him, but more, we shall be like Him, finally made perfect by God's grace to enjoy His fellowship and peace eternally. To be truly Christ-like, pure in heart, sinless, what a prospect! "But what if we're still living when Christ comes?", someone asks. No problem to our God says Paul in v51 for the Lord dos not need us to die physically. We'll not all "sleep" in death. If we're still alive when He returns He will change us to be like our brothers and sisters He is raising and together we will be with our Lord forever. 3. Resurrection is a fact, it is foundational, it is to be shared in the future by all Christian believers. Note finally that this is to be our motivation for hope, patience in suffering, holy living and Christian service. Here is real comfort and hope for when we lose a Christian relative. The best is yet to be. Here is the promise and vision to keep us steadfast in times of difficulty. It's what kept Paul through persecution in Ephesus and elsewhere. Countless other Christians through the ages to the present day have faced ridicule, torture, even death, secure in this hope. Now if God offers us this destiny by His grace should we not humble ourselves and stop sinning and seek to live lives that please Him? What better way could we spend the few years we have on this planet than in serving Him, spreading this message of divine rescue and hope? "Let us labour for the Master from the dawn 'til setting sun Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care. Then when all [this] life is over and our work on Earth is done When the roll is called up yonder [we'll] be there." Do you believe in resurrection? Do you know why you're here? Believe it. Live in the light of this hope. And get ready to enjoy it. AMEN