A Hope That Never Dies Series

1 PETER 1: 3-6 [-9]

A HOPE THAT NEVER DIES

[ Mark 16:1-8 ]

This morning we gather much earlier than usual to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It was nearly 2000 years ago, that Jesus rose from the dead. It was almost 2000 years ago the ladies arrived very early Sunday morning to find the tomb empty. It was almost 2000 years ago, after hearing the report of the women, that several disciples ran to the tomb and found it empty. For Jesus Christ had risen from the grave, just as He said.

Hell took hold of a body, and discovered God. When it pull Jesus from the earth, it encountered Heaven. Hell reach out and took what it saw, and Hell, death, and the grave were overcome by what they did not see!

Now the Devil did his best not only to put Jesus in the tomb but to keep Jesus in the tomb. Death and the grave did all it could to hold it's captive. But, after 3 days, the Father said, "Enough. Let the world know and history record My Son's Victory over death, hell and the grave." Then an angel was dispatched to the earth. As this angel's foot touched the ground an earthquake hit and the stone rolled away from the tomb. The Stone did not roll away to let Jesus out, but to let the women and disciples in so they could see that Jesus was not there, that "He had risen just as He said."

Now, what is the result of this resurrection? What difference does it make to us?

READ - 1 Peter 1:3-9.

Peter begins the main body of his letter in verse 3. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,"

[4] "to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, [5] who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, [7] "so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" [8] "and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory," [9] "obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls."]

Peter penned these words about 30 years after Christ's death and resurrection. He was writing to encourage the persecuted Christians of Asia Minor. Peter addresses those who are feeling discouraged, displaced, depressed, or in danger, and tells them that they need to take hold of their living hope through the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Verse 3 of the passage we just read says, God "has caused us to be born again to a living hope." The "new birth" results in a living hope. This "living hope" is based on the living resurrected Christ (1 Peter 1:21).

But, what is this living hope? What is the hope we now have, that only the resurrection of Jesus Christ can give us? A living hope is a hope that never dies. Isn't that thought- a HOPE THAT NEVER DIES- a most blessed thought? Those who have been born again have a living hope through their new life in Christ. This constantly living hope is that death is not the end.

A man had A CHECKUP and then went in to see his doctor to get the results. The doctor said he better sit down – that he had bad news and worse news for him. Then the Doctor asked the man, "Which do you want to hear first?" The man was a bit puzzled and said he'd rather hear the bad news first. The doctor said, "The bad news is that the results said you have only 24 hours to live." When he heard that, the man jumped up, totally shocked. He paced back and forth and said, "24 hours to live? I can't possibly get my affairs in order that quickly. I can't believe this! What could be possibly be worse news than this?" The doctor said, "The worse news is that I was supposed to tell you this yesterday, but I forgot."

Death is certain, but so is the Christian's hope of eternal life. The Christian's hope in Christ is as certain and sure as the fact that Jesus is alive!