What implications does "our preaching is useless" have for sharing the Gospel today? The Heart of Paul’s Statement “ and if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” (1 Corinthians 15:14) The Non-Negotiable Foundation • The resurrection is the hinge on which every promise of God swings (1 Corinthians 15:17; Romans 10:9). • If Jesus stayed in the tomb, there is no forgiveness, no new life, no hope beyond the grave. • Therefore, any message that minimizes or sidelines the risen Christ automatically loses its power and purpose. Why Preaching Matters Only If He Lives • Validation of the Messenger ― Acts 17:30-31 shows God “has given assurance to all men by raising Him from the dead.” The empty tomb is God’s public endorsement of Christ’s claims. • Verification of the Message ― John 20:31 points out that the written record exists “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ … and that by believing you may have life in His name.” • Victory for the Hearer ― Because He lives, sin’s penalty is paid, death’s sting is removed, and eternal life is offered (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Implications for Today’s Evangelism • Keep the resurrection central. Moral advice and social commentary cannot save; a living Savior does. • Present a living hope, not a lifestyle upgrade. People are desperate for more than self-help; they need resurrection life (1 Peter 1:3). • Speak with confidence. A risen Lord means a real power behind every word we share (Romans 1:16). • Expect opposition but trust the evidence. The same message mocked in Acts 17:32 still divides opinions; faithfully lay out the historical fact and let God work. • Offer concrete assurance. Because Christ is alive, repentance and faith secure unshakable forgiveness (Acts 13:38-39). Practical Takeaways for Everyday Witness • Start gospel conversations with who Jesus is and what He accomplished, climaxing at the resurrection. • Use Scripture that highlights the empty tomb—Matthew 28:5-7; Luke 24:46-48—as your anchor texts. • Share personal transformation stories rooted in Christ’s living presence, not mere behavior change. • Pray for boldness and clarity (Ephesians 6:19-20) before speaking; then trust the Spirit to confirm the message (Hebrews 2:3-4). • Remember that every act of evangelism is a declaration: “He is risen indeed,” and because of that, our preaching is never useless. |
    |