Mini Blog Thought: The Resurrection Matters

"And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 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. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men" - 1 Corinthians 15:14-19

Pivotal Point: He Has Risen

There is only one way to say this: For the Christian, faith hinges upon the truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the above passage the Apostle Paul goes as far as to state that the Christian faith is useless without that truth. In this scientific age where 'truth' is relative and 'new' theology is hashed out in local universities, Starbucks cups and really bad bestselling books, the 'need' for the resurrection is fading. Sadly, many local churches seem willing to not put up much of a fuss as they continue to engage the culture with sermons on "how to improve your marriage" instead of sermons like "how to stay out of Hell".

Let me quickly outline 1 Corinthians 15:14-19 for you:

If Christ has not been raised:

• "Our preaching is useless and so is your faith" (v.14).
• "We are found to be false witnesses about God (v. 15)
  
• "Then the dead are not raised" (v.16)
• "Faith is futile" (v.17)
• "You are still in your sins" (v.17)
• "Those who are dead in Christ are lost" (v.18)
• "We should be pitied more than all men" (v.19)
  

So, If Christ has been raised (hint: He has)

• Our preaching is useful and so is our faith
• If we preach the resurrection, we are found to be truthful witnesses about God
• The dead are raised
• Faith is not futile
• You have forgiveness of sins (for the believer)
• Those who are dead in Christ are found
• The message of the Gospel that we deliver should be taken seriously

My encouragement to you is this: Never be afraid to share the truth about who Jesus Christ is to this culture. More than ever, this world needs to hear about the salvation made available through Christ. Remember too, that all of it has been made possible through the work of Christ and His defeat over death.

He has risen.

Mini Blog Thought: Hey, Can You Give Me a Hand With This?

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen
- 1 Peter 4:9-11

I have driven trucks since I started driving. My first truck was a small one, a Chevy S-10. That was a mistake...after my fourth transmission, I stayed away from Chevy's (please, no emails from you Chevy lovers).

Today, I own a Ford F-150. It's a nice truck. A solid truck. It's a man's truck (Insert the Tim the ToolTime Taylors grunting here).

If you have never owned a truck, this "mini-blog" may not make much sense to you, but try to follow along with me just the same. You see, as a truck owner, I learned very early on that my 'services' would be called upon often by friends, family, co-workers and fellow church members.

"Hey Dale, can I use your truck?"

"Hey Dale, I have a couch that needs to be moved."

Hey Dale, I have a bunch of stuff in my garage that needs to go to the dump, any chance you could help me?"

A month doesn't go by that I don't have someone asking me to utilize my truck for some reason or another. You see, as a truck owner, it comes with the territory.


Being a Christian works the same way. God has gifted each of us specifically, and He expects that we will utilize those gifts to "serve" others. Maybe your "truck" is your a great electrician? Maybe you have a heart for yard work? Maybe you are good with teaching kids? Perhaps visiting others who are in the hospital is something that you can do? Whatever it is, just know that there are people all around who sure could use "your truck".

Are you willing to let them use it?