The scripture for this morning's message is taken from First Corinthians, chapter 15,

verses 12 through 20.

Now if Christ is preached that he has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that

there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised.

And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain.

Your faith also is vain. Moreover, we are even found to be false witnesses of God because we witnessed against God that

he raised Christ whom he did not raise if in fact the dead are not raised.

For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised.

And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless.

You are still in your sins.

Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most to be pitied.

But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.

Oh Lord, this is a great Sunday and Christ is a great Savior, we are great sinners, and yours is a great gospel in

eternity. is a great gospel and eternity is a great long time and I'm in great need of your help.

To do justice to this text and this event and all of its stunning eternal implications for our lives. So I ask you to come now and help me. I

pray that you would humble me under your mighty hand and may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable

in your sight, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

And I ask for listening ears in this room and hearts made soft

by the providences of God in people's lives and by the

spirit of God right now.

You have been preparing people for this moment, some of them for decades,

...