Passage
1 Corinthians 15:12-19 (ESV)
Ahaz, a Fearful King of Judah
2 Kings 16:1-20
Key Verse: 16:2
If Christ Has Not Been Raised
Date: Oct. 26, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 15:19
If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
First, if there is no resurrection of the dead (12-13). Paul preached the gospel of the resurrection of the dead. But there were some among the Corinthian Christians that said there is no resurrection of the dead. If there is no resurrection of the dead, then there is no gospel and no hope for men. If there is absolutely no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.
Second, iIf Christ has not been raised (14-19). What are the consequences if Christ has not been raised? The preaching of the apostles is a complete lie. The faith of those who believe the gospel is futile. If Christ has not been raised, then we are still ruled by the power of sin and death. We are left with a belief system designed to benefit us only for this life. What a pity! When we remove the negatives from these verses we learn that there is resurrection of the dead. We know this because Christ has been raised. His resurrection gives us freedom from sin and death, and absolute meaning to our faith and our preaching, with the hope and assurance of eternal life. What a blessing!
Prayer: Prayer: Lord, help me not live by sight. Bless me to grow in resurrection faith until your hope is my hope.
One Word: Have hope in Christ
