Resurrection of the dead

1 Thessalonias 4:13-5:28 – What You Need to Know About Resurrection

You may recall that when Paul spoke of the resurrection, many people scoffed and disregarded him. Others were curious and wanted to know more later. Paul’s letter gives them the “more” they were looking for. Having just lost my own father, there is assurance in Paul’s words. The hope we have in Christ is the biggest comforter when our loved ones pass away. Paul suggests we’ll see them again when Jesus returns.

Paul tells us more about what resurrection means and how we share in that with Jesus because we’re believers. What a grand vision to imagine, joining Jesus and the throngs of faithful ones who have gone before us in the clouds! Would we block out the sun? With the radiance of Christ, we would need no sun. Such a glorious future to look forward to. No wonder Paul told us to use this vision to stay encouraged. Continue reading “1 Thessalonias 4:13-5:28 – What You Need to Know About Resurrection”

John 5:19-30 – Future Events

Read John 5:19-30

Jesus continues to address the issue of the healed man while opening up much bigger and life-changing topics. He even throws in a foreshadowing of Lazarus’ resurrection, not to mention the resurrection of the dead yet to come. This is not the first time John’s gospel gives a glimpse of future events out of sequence.

Jesus touches on judgment during his education hour this time. Based on what Jesus says, as believers, we need not fear judgment because not only has Jesus chosen us, but we’ve also chosen Him. We do that when we honor his name and accept his offer of eternal life with our love, worship, and obedience. Continue reading “John 5:19-30 – Future Events”

1 Corinthians 15:29-34 – What If?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:29-34

photographs of people with thought bubbles with question marks overhead

Do you ever find yourself in the “What-If Trap”? That’s when you catch yourself in some sort of doubt or worry. What if it rains when you forgot your umbrella? What if I fail my math test, will I be able to graduate? What if there is no resurrection? That’s what it seems Paul is addressing here.

Paul gives us real life examples that wouldn’t make sense in a “resurrection-less” world. These examples would have been understood better by the original recipients to the message. For us, it could be something like, “if there was no resurrection of the dead, why would we be wasting our time spreading the gospel?” If you’re wondering about verse 29, apparently there was a practice that people who were alive could be baptized in place of people who already died to give the dead people the same promise of baptism. While it happened, and Paul calls it out, note that it isn’t necessarily a practice believed to be “necessary.”

1 Corinthians 15:20-28 – You Belong, You Rise

Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

There are some challenging concepts going on in this reading, do you agree? But I love when God challenges me to listen. It’s easy when we find ourselves reading through familiar passages that we almost skim over them. This passage is not one of those we can (or should) skim over.

We’re talking our future here. We’re talking about God’s majesty over everything. That’s a lot for 9 verses! I’m finding this passage especially comforting in light of all the chaos going on around the world. Doesn’t it give you some peace to know God’s got it all under control?

1 Corinthians 15:12-19 – No Resurrection?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

Are you curious like Paul, wondering how they could possibly question the resurrection? Was Paul’s own faith tested even a little by the Corinthian’s apparent unbelief?

Paul’s words make it clear he is 100% convinced. “And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless” If Paul was totally convinced, I’m confident he would not put his life on the line every day for his faith and his mission to draw people to Jesus’ saving grace.