If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:19
I resume my study of 1 Corinthians, moving on to an unassisted review of 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. Building on my study of 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (see last post here), where Paul urges us to see the gospel, including the resurrection, being of "first importance" (v3), this morning my review of 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 challenges me to maintain my faith. In the text this morning, Paul essentially shares how faith is in vain and futile as is the effort to share the gospel as Paul did. He rhetorically writes about these questions that challenge the gospel and how if true, he would be "misrepresenting God." V17 also shares how, if our faith is futile then we are still in our sins. I know this is not to be true because I have witnessed in my own life and in the lives of others miracles that only occur through faith alone - faith in the one and only gospel that Jesus Christ appeared, lived a perfect life, died on a cross for all of humanity, then rose again to defeat both sin and death. This same gospel gives believers in this gospel hope, not just today but for eternity.
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me. Thank You for the gospel and for my faith - I am undeserving of such grace and compassion. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
