The Big picture:

What Hope?... Contrasting views… “I believe that when I die I shall rot” - Bertrand Russell But not for us: “will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” v14,“The dead in Christ will rise” v17 “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” Phil 1:23 Fallen asleep

1. Hope grounded in the Past: “since we believe that Jesus died and rose again” v14 Hope originated from the cross Christ died- not fallen asleep transformed death into ‘sleep’ Death is defeated: “ Where, O death is your victory? Where O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” 1Cor.15

Assurance of the resurrection: “Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?” 1 Cor.15:12 Christ’s resurrection is a testament that death is defeated

2. A hope that looks forward: the Lord himself will come down v16 Parousia- (personal presence ), a royal or state visit. Resurrection v16b Reunion v17 “ Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” v17

‘Notre Unique Espérance’ Our Only Hope “ ”