IMPERISHABLE: FINDING THE THINGS THAT MATTER: HOPE

We continue this week with our series Imperishable: Finding the Things that Matter Most with the sermon, Hope.  Hope is often fragile and uncertain.  The events that have unfolded over the last couple of weeks, with the demonstrations and looting, in response to the killing of George Floyd are a stark reminder that we are losing hope.  These tragic events coupled with the stress of the pandemic have created a cauldron of despair, frustration, and anger.  As believers, we have an imperishable hope that is found throughout the Bible that gives us light even in the darkest times.  We find it clearly expressed in 1 Corinthians 15:22-34.  The Apostle Paul is confronting the Corinthians, because they are saying there is not a resurrection.  They do not realize the full implications of their failure to believe.  They are being robbed of hope and the power to fully live the Christian life.  In the darkness of life and walking through the shadow of death, this is a steady courageous light that empowers Christian living.  As you read 1 Corinthians 15:22-34, what is the defining story of your life?  These words remind us that we are part of a grand story of hope that is forever and ever.  Even more than that, this imperishable hope helps us endure hardship and difficulty!  We pray that you will be lifted into the light of hope as you read these verses.  1 Corinthians 15:22-34: For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all. 29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? 30 And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? 31 I face death every day– yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God– I say this to your shame. ( NIV)