SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
OBSERVATION:
A simple source for the Apostles’ Creed: Christ died, was buried, rose on the third day.
Paul suggests that many witnesses to the resurrected Jesus remain alive at the time of writing; in other words, see and hear for yourself if you have doubts.
The believers ‘took their stand’ (v.1) on this message about Jesus, but they needed to ‘hold firmly’ (v.2) to the message.
If the message is untrue, then it is not good news, and their faith is empty, pointless.
Paul downplays his own place in the story, a one-time enemy of Christ-followers (also named Saul, Acts 8:1-4).
Is not the miracle of Paul’s life-change also amazing (think of Henry Morgentaler being converted to pro-life, it was this kind of change).
Grace (God’s undeserved favour) changes us and makes us something we don’t deserve to be.
APPLICATION:
Gospel = message of good news, that someone survived the judgment of death would indeed be hopeful news, if it could be marketed the demand would be HUGE!
Has my life been radically changed because of this message, does the resurrection mean something to me?
Do I ‘take my stand’ on this teaching, am I ‘holding firmly’ to this belief?
Is there a point to life if there is no life after death?
PRAYER:
Lord, I cannot imagine what life would be like without hope, without purpose, without eternal life! Thank You for making it possible for me to live eternally already now! Amen!
No Resurrection = No Saviour!
No Ascension = No Saviour!
Thank You Lord for the Gospel which tells us that Jesus Christ arose! In Him I have life and LIFE eternal. As scripture states, if this were not true, I am to be most pitied, believing a falsehood. Praise God that His Word is true and He demonstarted that Truth by showing Himself to His people so that they would believe.
Thank You Lord for giving meaning to life. Thank You for the Hope I have each day serving You. Thank You Lord for the gift of eternal LIFE for all who believe. Use me Lord as an instrument of Your peace. My song today is:
I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living, Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him He’s always near.
Chorus:
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He live, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.
In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And tho my heart grows weary I never will despair;
I know that He is leading Thro’ all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing Will come at last.