1.The consequences of unbelief are increasingly personal, v. 12-18

a) not even Christ has been raised, v. 13

b) preaching is in vain, v. 14

c) faith is in vain, v. 14

d) we are misrepresenting God, v. 15

e) you are still in your sin, v. 17

f) those who have fallen asleep have perished, v. 18

g) we have hope in this life only, v. 19

2. The consequences of belief are increasingly helpful, v. 20-24

a) there is life after death, v. 20

b) there is a universal problem and solution, v. 21-22

c) there is an order, v. 23 tagma- "that which has been arranged.”

d) there is an end, v. 24

“ And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” -Matthew 24:14

Knowing that there is an end coming does three things for us…

1) informs our priorities

“Since everything will be destroy in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?” - 2 Peter 3:11

2) invites personal change

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” - 2 Corinthians 5:10

3) initiates the question of peace

Mental worship…

1. When did people get “in sin” and how did they get there?

2. Do you believe there is life after death, heaven and hell, if so how does a person get to either one?

3. Given all that is going on in the world, do you believe that there is an order to it? That Someone is ultimately in charge?

4. Is the life you are living on earth going to be recognized in heaven?

5. If you had to make a change today would it be in the area of priorities, personal change or peace?