The importance of the resurrection of Jesus to the Christian faith can not be overemphasized.  The hope that we have in Jesus goes beyond this life into the next life.  Jesus’ death followed by a resurrection, witnessed by many, means that there is a new life for Jesus’ followers.  If Jesus is not raised, then I am to be pitied.

1 Corinthians 15: 12-19

 ¹²But 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? ¹³If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. ¹⁴And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. ¹⁵More 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. ¹⁶For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. ¹⁷And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. ¹⁸Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. ¹⁹If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

Questions

1. What are some Corinthians saying about the resurrection of the dead?
2. What kind of witnesses would Paul and other preachers be if Christ is not raised?
3. What is a person’s position if Christ has not been raised?
4. How important is the resurrection to modern churches?
5. How can I see how you value the resurrection of Jesus?

Going Deeper

116 Clique has released an album with hip-hop tracks covering the letters of the New Testament.  It’s called 13 Letters.  The track about 1 Corinthians can be heard by following the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xjn9YNt0n2k 

Follow this link for the lyrics:

http://www.kovideo.net/break-it-down-1-corinthians-lyrics-116-clique-113808.html

What does the song identify as the key themes of the book of 1 Corinthians?  What points does it miss?