Hope Has Risen
How does someone move from uncertainty to unshakable conviction—even to the point of giving their life?
Senior Pastor David Rose takes us into 1 Corinthians 15, to show how the disciples transformed from bewildered followers at the tomb to faithful men who would face death proclaiming that Jesus is alive.
Pastor David highlights four foundational truths: the gospel offers grace, true hope stands on the resurrection, the resurrection guarantees eternity, and lasting confidence grows from knowing we are secure in Christ. The journey from the disciples’ doubt to Christianity’s global reach proves that the resurrection isn’t just a moment in history—it’s the solid ground of our faith, our hope, and the life we live now.
Key Takeaways
- God says the gospel is a message of grace. (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)
- God says the hope hinges on the resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:12-28)
- God says the resurrection points to eternity. (1 Corinthians 15:50-57)
- God says security leads to certainty. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Further Study
- In 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, Paul highlights that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again “according to the Scriptures.” Why do you think Paul stresses that point? How do Old Testament passages like Isaiah 53:5–12 and Psalm 16:10 help us see that the resurrection was always part of God’s plan?
- How can seeing the resurrection as a fulfillment of God’s promises—rather than a surprise twist—help you trust Him when life seems hopeless?
- Paul lays out a powerful argument in 1 Corinthians 15:14–19 about what’s at stake if Jesus didn’t really rise from the dead. How does this logical approach compare with Thomas’s doubts in John 20:24–29—and Christ’s response to him?
- Have you ever had moments of doubt in your faith? How might Paul’s reasoning about the resurrection give you something solid to stand on during those times?
- In 1 Corinthians 15:20–22, Paul calls Jesus the “firstfruits”—the beginning of something new—and draws a contrast between being “in Adam” and “in Christ.” Looking at Romans 5:12–21 and Colossians 1:18, what does it mean for Jesus to be the firstfruits of the resurrection?
- How does knowing you’re “in Christ” (not “in Adam” anymore!) shape how you make decisions, how you treat others, or how you face temptation?
The Gospel
If you have questions about what it means to be a Christian, we would love to talk with you about it.
Reach outThe Gospel—”good news”—is that God loves you despite your sin. Sin separates us from God because He is holy and we are not. No amount of good works can bridge this gap. God’s solution was sending His Son Jesus to live the perfect life we couldn’t live and die the death we deserved. Jesus willingly took our punishment, declaring “It is finished” as He died. But death couldn’t hold Him! His resurrection on the third day proved His sacrifice was accepted and sin was defeated. Now, through faith in Christ, you can move from being “in Adam” (condemned by sin) to being “in Christ” (forgiven and made new). This isn’t earned but received as a gift. As Pastor David said, “Hope has risen and hope has a name, and His name is Jesus.” Will you trust Him today, acknowledging your sin and accepting His sacrifice?