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AfterThoughts: April 05, 2026

 

April 5, 2026
If Christ Had Not Been Raised
1 Corinthians 15

This week, Dr. David Eldridge taught from 1 Corinthians and expanded on two key points

  • Your Sins Can Be Forgiven
  • Death Does Not Get The Last Word

GOING DEEPER: 

  • Easter gives us the answer to our fear of death and gives us hope in the face of death. Pastor David explained that the answers to life’s greatest problems are found in the death, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection is not a symbol or a metaphor; it is a historical reality with many eyewitness testimonies (1 Corinthians 15:1–8). God the Father intervened in human history by halting decay, pulling Jesus out of death itself, and raising Him with a glorified, immortal body, never to die again. What are the issues, problems, or circumstances that keep you up at night? How can the absolute truth of the resurrection speak to the fears you have in this season of life?
     
  • Pastor David taught that the empty tomb means we have victory over sin. We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), but our sins can be forgiven (1 Corinthians 15:17). Easter is the turning point: what we could never fix through our striving, our doing, or our best efforts, God has provided a solution for in His Son. We deserved death, but He took our place (2 Corinthians 5:21). The blood of Jesus covers all our sin. What sinful behavior or pattern in your life is keeping you from fully abiding with Jesus? How can you change your schedule this week to make more time for confession and repentance? How can you live this week with the joy of your forgiveness?
     
  • Pastor David reminded us that because of Jesus’ resurrection, death does not get the last word (1 Corinthians 15:54–57). Our hope in the face of death is Jesus’ victory over death. The empty tomb means that death wasn’t the end of the line for Jesus; and for all who are in Christ, death isn’t the end of the line either. The resurrection of Jesus changes everything. How has the truth of the resurrection changed how you think about death? How would you describe the hope you have in life and death because of the empty tomb? How can the words of John 11:25give you joy and security this week?
  • The Easter message is not just an announcement to hear; it is a gift to receive. Jesus offers the gift of salvation to all who turn to Him in faith. What is in store for us is far greater than what is behind us. Your best days are ahead. What lies ahead of us is the very presence of the Lord—seeing Him face to face. The One who died for you will embrace you. Have you accepted the gift of God by trusting in the finished work of Jesus? If not, who will you talk to this week about your need for salvation? If you are a believer and follower of Jesus, who do you need to share the Easter story with this week?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

  • To view past sermons, please click here.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26

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