In this sermon, Pastor Jeffrey Johnson reflects on 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, focusing on the theme of Christ’s victory over death and the eternal nature of His kingdom. He begins by diagnosing the current state of the world as having a "terminal cancer"—the cancer of sin. This spiritual disease has affected every aspect of human life and institutions, rendering all worldly hopes and reforms ultimately futile. Despite political efforts or societal changes, the root problem remains: death, brought into the world through Adam’s sin.
Pastor Johnson emphasizes that true hope is not found in earthly politics or temporary solutions. He challenges the congregation to recognize that Christ did not come to establish a political kingdom or provide mere hospice care to this broken world. Instead, Jesus came to build a new, eternal kingdom by conquering death itself. Through His resurrection, Christ defeated sin and death, securing the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Him.
The sermon explains the legal concept of imputation: just as all humanity inherited death through Adam’s sin, we inherit life through Christ’s righteousness. Christ’s resurrection is the foundation of our spiritual rebirth and the promise of a future physical resurrection. Pastor Johnson stresses that being part of Christ’s kingdom requires a spiritual rebirth; we must be born again to see and enter this everlasting, spiritual kingdom.
Looking ahead to the end times, Pastor Johnson highlights the ultimate defeat of death when Christ will deliver the kingdom to God the Father. At that point, all enemies—including death—will be destroyed, and the fullness of God’s kingdom will be established. The hope for believers lies in this eternal kingdom, which is pure, sinless, and without end.
Pastor Johnson concludes by urging the congregation to place their hope in Christ’s kingdom rather than in the temporary systems of this world. He encourages a response of faith: to die to self, flee from the fleeting hopes of earthly kingdoms, and seek refuge in Jesus. The message is clear—Christ is the only cure for the "cancer" of sin, and through Him alone can we find eternal life and a place in His unshakable kingdom.