What practical steps can strengthen our faith in the resurrection promise? Anchor Your Heart in the Certainty of Scripture • 1 Corinthians 15:35 introduces honest curiosity about resurrection; the Spirit answers later in the chapter, giving the church unshakeable truth. • Let the text speak with final authority: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). • Read the whole chapter aloud, letting every “will be” and “shall be” sink in. • Memorize key verses such as 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 and 2 Corinthians 4:14 to settle the matter in the heart. Fix Your Eyes on the Risen Lord • Resurrection is personal, not abstract. “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25-26). • Picture the empty tomb every time discouragement whispers. • Trace post-resurrection appearances (Luke 24; John 20-21; Acts 1) and notice how seeing Him alive transformed frightened disciples into fearless witnesses. • When doubts surface, rehearse Philippians 3:20-21: the Savior who rose bodily will “transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.” Practice Daily Resurrection Remembrance • Begin mornings declaring Romans 6:4-5—buried with Christ, raised to walk in newness of life. • End evenings recounting one way resurrection hope shaped decisions that day. • Use communion as a scheduled reminder: “proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Guard Your Mind with Sound Doctrine • False teaching erodes confidence (1 Corinthians 15:12). • Compare everything you read or hear to the apostolic gospel (Galatians 1:8-9). • Keep a short list of resurrection passages for quick reference: Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17; Revelation 20:6. Live Resurrection Hope through Obedience • Colossians 3:1-4 links heavenly mindset with earthly holiness. • Choose purity, generosity, and truthfulness, knowing nothing done “in the Lord is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Let future glory motivate present perseverance in trials (Romans 8:18). Lean into Fellowship with Resurrection People • Meet faithfully: “Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess… not neglecting to meet together” (Hebrews 10:23-25). • Share testimonies of God’s sustaining power; celebration stirs assurance. • Sing resurrection hymns and psalms that lift faith above circumstances. Worship Expectantly • Set Sundays apart as weekly “first day” reminders (John 20:1,19). • Read Revelation 1:17-18 aloud in gathered worship, exalting the Living One who “was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.” • Respond with gratitude; thanksgiving strengthens confidence in promises not yet seen. Serve with Eternity in View • Invest time, talent, and resources in gospel work that extends beyond the grave (Matthew 6:19-21). • Encourage the suffering; remind them that present bodies are “sown in weakness, raised in power” (1 Corinthians 15:43). • Approach every ministry task under the banner of 1 Corinthians 15:58—“be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” Applying these steps roots the heart in God’s unbreakable Word, keeps Christ’s victory before the eyes, and turns daily choices into active anticipation of the promised resurrection. |
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