1 Corinthians 15 - 11.7.24
S - 1 Corinthians 15:56-58 (NIV) The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
O – Paul wrote this letter to correct the thinking of the Corinthian Christians about what resurrection from the dead means for born-again believers. The Church of Corinth had difficulties with the concept of bodily resurrection, and Paul wrote this letter to instruct them in several areas. First, Scripture tells us that Christ died for our sins and without that truth, His death was worthless and those who believe in Him are still in their sins and without hope. Secondly, He was buried in a tomb, and he was raised on the third day. Many unbelievers will tell us that Jesus did not rise from the dead, but He was SEEN, not by one or two people, but by SEVERAL people…Peter, the Disciples, more than 500 Christians, James, the Apostles and Paul. Those facts were documented and the RESSURECTION is a historical fact.
A – I know there was a lot of fear, anxiety, tension and even hatred, surrounding the elections on Tuesday, but we do not need to live in that space as Christian believers! Regardless of who you voted for, or whether your candidate won, we have NO reason to fear whatever is to come. One of the grandest name descriptions of our God is “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” It is used to declare God’s authority over all creation and reminds believers of His power and might.
Rev. 11:15
The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:
“The kingdom of the world has become
the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah,
and he will reign for ever and ever.”
FOREVER as in Eternity! We should not be discouraged by any doubters who deny the Resurrection. We as Christians should be filled with HOPE and the knowledge that one day we will see the living proof when Jesus returns.
Rev. 1:7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,”
and “every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him”;
and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”[b]
So shall it be! Amen.
Let’s not allow discouragement to keep us from working for our Lord. Let’s do the good that we have the opportunity to do, knowing that the work will have eternal results. Hopefully you all did your part in this election and got out there and voted, now let’s leave it there. What’s done is done. Continue to pray for God’s hand to be upon our President, helping to guide Him/Her to do the things that are good! As we continue to do the works that we have been called to do, we can find peace and freedom in letting Jesus handle the rest of it.
P – Jesus comfort those who are feeling fearful right now; those who may not know you yet; those who question the validity of your Resurrection. Open their eyes to see you God right in front of them…the God who loves them so much and wants to give them a hope and a future! Help my Christian brothers and sisters to stay the course, to stay focused on you and not anything that would distract them from the work you have called them/us to do. Give us your Shalom Peace and place a hedge of protection around us. May we do our very best to stay united as the Church, praying always to share the Gospel and the love of Jesus with anyone that we are given opportunity. Thank you that we do not need to live in fear! My heart is so GRATEFUL to you for leading my paths straight, from saving me from MY sin, for giving me Victory over the enemy, and for providing everything that we need! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
- Crystal Flory
