There are head butts in fighting and goat butts in the backside, and there are ‘buts’ of a different but equally powerful kind in the English language. “But” expresses opposition and as such can either prevent or propel. More on the latter a bit later.
Strong faith is essential but hope is a ‘chin up’. The people of Israel had great hope for a resurrection and held to it in times of severe trial (Job 19:23-27; Acts 26:6-8). The Resurrection is not only “the hope of Israel” but also “the blessed hope” of the Church (Titus 2:13). Does your church teach and preach the Resurrection? It should. It’s not optional but imperative — a must!
If there were no resurrection 1. Christ would not be risen; 2. the church’s preaching would have no purpose; 3. the faith of the people would be futile; 4. the original apostles would be seen as false teachers; 5. we would still be in our sins; and 6. Christians would be the most miserable of all people (1 Corinthians 15:13-19).
“But” (verse 20) is an adversative, in that it goes against everything written before it. It tells us that none of the five things before it apply. Evil men crucified Jesus BUT he rose from the dead! “BUT” makes all the difference!
Never put a “but” after a positive, because it will turn it into a negative. Always put a “but” after a negative because it will turn it into a positive. For example: “Once I was blind, but now I see.” I love his “but now” because it emphasises the difference between blind and seeing clearly and such propelled the doubtful questions of those who knew him as helpless, hapless and pretty much hopeless.
No ifs and no buts!