Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Proverbs 6-7; 1 Corinthians 15
Devotional Thought:
First Corinthians 15 is the most thorough passage on the doctrine of the resurrection given in the scriptures. This doctrine is, by far, the most critical of all the doctrines of God’s Word. Without the resurrection none of the other truths would much matter. Just as oxygen brings life to the blood, the doctrine of the resurrection breathes life into every aspect of the Christian’s faith. Without the resurrection, Christianity would simply be wishful thinking, taking its place alongside all other human philosophies and religious speculation. Because of the resurrection truth, the heart-broken followers of Christ were turned into the courageous witnesses who were willing to give their life as they spread the gospel across the known world. Knowing the truth that this life is only the beginning to the life to come for those who trust in Jesus Christ those early disciples could not be discouraged by ridicule, prison, torture, or even death. The Devil works so hard to attack the truth of the resurrection. If there is no resurrection than there is no deity of Christ, no victory over sin, no victory over death, no power of the gospel, and no eternal life. Paul says it this way in verse 19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” What a wonderful truth that Christ was born perfect, lived perfect, died perfect, but then arose victoriously perfect over the grave, conquering sin and death and making reconciliation between God and man possible. Verse 22 says, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” Even though this life, as we know it, is temporary, we can know for certain that we shall live forever! When a Christian dies his physical death, his body is placed in the ground and his soul is immediately with the Lord. Second Corinthians 5 teaches us that God has made us a body in heaven that is specifically designed for heaven. It is the body we enjoy until the rapture when we will receive our eternal spiritual bodies. One that is fashioned after His body and designed for all eternity. Here in verse 51-52, Paul teaches us that we will not all sleep or die; however we must all be changed. Our vile, corrupt, and sin cursed bodies are not fit for heaven. In fact, Revelations teaches us that nothing can enter heaven that would defile it. Therefore, our vile bodies must be changed at the rapture, and they are! Our corruption puts on incorruption and our mortal puts on immortality. All of this is made possible because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know, your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (vs. 58)
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me never to forget what I have in you, because of the resurrection. Because you arose, I know I too shall rise!
• Lord, please help me to never be discouraged in this life. Knowing that this life is temporary, but heaven is forever, please help me to live in light of eternity.
• Lord, please remind me often that it is the perfection, power, and Person of Christ that makes my eternity secure. You were victorious and it is in you that my daily and eternal victory lies. Thank you for the resurrection!