Paul’s Shock as the Corinthians Try to Cancel the Afterlife! Look, Corinthians, you can’t just decide the resurrection didn’t happen. That’s like deciding gravity is optional. Or that pineapple on pizza isn’t a divisive issue. It’s a thing, it’s real!
Section 1: Welcome and Announcements
Welcome to Worship!
Good morning, Church family! I am so grateful to see each of you here today, whether you are joining us in person or online. This is a day of joy because God is at work in our lives, and we have the privilege of coming together to worship Him!
Today, we are diving into a powerful passage from 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, where the Apostle Paul reminds us of the incredible hope we have in the resurrection of Jesus. This truth changes everything—it gives us confidence, purpose, and assurance that our faith is not in vain!
So take a deep breath, let go of the distractions, and open your heart to what God wants to say to you today. He loves you. He is with you. And He has something special for you in this time of worship!
Announcements & Upcoming Events
Here are some exciting things happening in our church community:
- Wednesday Night Bible Study – Join us as we continue our deep dive into the Book of Romans. Every Wednesday at 7 PM in the fellowship hall.
- Community Outreach Event – Next Saturday, we’ll be serving at the local food pantry. Volunteers are needed!
- Baptism Sunday – If you’re ready to take this next step in your faith, sign up at the welcome desk or on our website.
- Small Groups Relaunch! – Looking for deeper connections? Find a group that fits your season of life!
God is moving in our church, and we are so excited to walk this journey of faith together!
Section 2: Call to Worship
A Time to Refocus on Jesus
Before we begin our time of worship, let’s pause, take a moment of silence, and fix our hearts on God. He is worthy of our praise, and He invites us into His presence today.
Let’s read this powerful passage together:
Psalm 95:1-3 (NIV)
“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.”
Responsive Reading:
Leader: This is the day the Lord has made!
Congregation: We will rejoice and be glad in it!
Section 3: Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude. Thank You for the gift of this new day, for the breath in our lungs, and for the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Today, as we reflect on His resurrection, may our faith be strengthened, our hearts be encouraged, and our love for You deepen.
Lord, remove any distractions that keep us from hearing Your voice. Fill this place with Your presence, and let us worship You in spirit and in truth.
In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Section 4: Praise and Worship
Lifting Our Voices in Praise
Let’s stand together and sing to the Lord with joy! Our worship team will lead us in songs that remind us of God’s goodness, His faithfulness, and the victory we have in Jesus.
Today’s Worship Set:
- “Living Hope”
- “Because He Lives”
- “In Christ Alone”
Let’s lift our hands and our hearts as we declare the truth of God’s Word through song!
Section 5: Scripture Reading
Introduction to 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith. In today’s passage, Paul is addressing a crucial issue—some in the church at Corinth were questioning whether the resurrection was real. He passionately reminds them (and us!) that without the resurrection, our faith is meaningless. But because Jesus did rise, we have an unshakable hope!
The Events in the Passage
Paul lays out a clear and logical argument:
- If Christ hasn’t been raised, then our faith is worthless.
- But if Christ has been raised (and He has!), then we have victory over sin and death.
Let’s read together:
1 Corinthians 15:12-20 (NIV)
12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.
16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.
19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Section 6: Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Prayer for Understanding & Faith
Father, today we pray for hearts that fully believe in the resurrection of Jesus. When doubts creep in, remind us of the truth of Your Word. Strengthen our faith, help us walk in confidence, and fill us with the joy that comes from knowing our Savior lives.
Congregational Response:
Leader: Christ has indeed been raised!
Congregation: We place our faith in the Risen Savior!
Section 7: Offering
Giving as an Act of Worship
God calls us to be cheerful givers (2 Corinthians 9:7). When we give, we acknowledge that everything we have belongs to Him. Your tithes and offerings support the work of the church, missions, and the spread of the Gospel.
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your provision. As we give today, may it be with joyful and generous hearts. Use these gifts to further Your kingdom and bring people to know the hope of Jesus. In His name, Amen.
Section 8: Special Music
A Song of Reflection
Before today’s message, let’s prepare our hearts with this special song of worship. May it remind us of the power of Christ’s resurrection and the life we have in Him!
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“If Jesus Didn’t Rise, Your Faith Is Worthless—Are You Betting Your Soul on That?”
I remember the first time I truly wrestled with the reality of the resurrection. Not just as a Sunday school lesson or a nice Easter tradition, but as a life-altering, eternity-defining truth.
A close friend of mine—a self-proclaimed “rational thinker”—once said to me:
“I like the idea of Jesus. Great teacher, kind-hearted revolutionary… but rising from the dead? That’s just religious folklore.”
Maybe you’ve met someone like this. Maybe you’ve even had these thoughts yourself.
Paul faced the same skepticism in 1 Corinthians 15:12-20. Some in the church questioned whether resurrection was even possible. His response? If Christ hasn’t been raised, our faith is useless. In other words:
Everything stands or falls on the resurrection.
If Jesus stayed in the tomb, then:
❌ Our faith is a lie.
❌ Our sins are NOT forgiven.
❌ Death wins.
❌ We’re the most pitiful people on earth.
But if He DID rise—if that tomb really is empty—then everything changes. Everything.
Paul doesn’t end with despair. He boldly declares:
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20, NIV)
That’s why this message is so urgent. People are betting their souls on whether or not this is true. And it is.
So, let me ask you—are you living like it’s true?
You already know how important this message is. Imagine standing before your congregation, delivering a message so powerful, so deeply rooted in Scripture, that it awakens faith, stirs conviction, and ignites transformation.
This sermon isn’t just another Sunday message—it’s a declaration of resurrection power.
A fully structured expository outline—designed to bring clarity and impact.
A compelling call to faith—grounded in God’s Word.
A message that connects—so your people don’t just hear it… they feel it.
This ready-to-deliver sermon is available for you right now. Use it. Preach it. Watch God move.
And if this message blesses you, consider sowing into this ministry. Your generosity keeps life-changing messages like this one available to pastors, leaders, and believers around the world.
Let’s proclaim the truth of the resurrection—together.
