1 Corinthians 15:1-28
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We read beautifully true words from Paul today in First Corinthians chapter 15 verses 3 & 4: "I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me--that Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said." And then there are some interesting words from Paul in verses 17 through 19: "And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless, and you are still under condemnation for your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ have perished! And if we have hope in Christ only for this life, we are the most miserable people in the world." He immediately follows up these verses with this statement in verse 20: "But the fact is that Christ has been raised from the dead. He has become the first of a great harvest of those who will be raised to life again." This is quite a chapter from Paul about the Resurrection of Jesus and the Resurrection of the dead! I think the key question we each need to ask ourselves is: do you believe that Jesus was born on this earth 2,000 years ago, is the Son of God, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for your sins, and on the third day rose from the dead? This is the question on which all of Christianity - and your personal faith in Jesus - hinges. So, what say you?
In verses 5 through 8 today six resurrection appearances of Jesus' are mentioned. Below is a full list of Jesus' resurrection appearances from Zondervan's NIV Study Bible:
1. The empty tomb (not an appearance per se - but no body was in the tomb - the first indication of the resurrection)
2. To Mary Magdalene in the garden
3. To the other women
4. To two people going to Emmaus
5. To Peter
6. To the ten disciples in the upper room
7. To the 11 disciples in the upper room (including Thomas this time - see painting below)
8. To seven disciples fishing on the Sea of Galilee
9. To the 11 disciples on a mountain
10. To more than 500
11. To James
12. To the disciples at His ascension
13. To Paul on the road to Damascus
One of my favorite paintings of a resurrection appearance of Jesus' is by the Italian artist Caravaggio from the year 1603 titled "Doubting Thomas":
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in First Corinthians 15 titled "A Refresher Course on the Resurrection of the Dead" is at this link.
Worship Video: Our First Corinthians chapter 15 readings today about Jesus' resurrection reminded me of the Newsboys song "He Reigns!" I had not seen the video to this song until just now, but I love the video! Watch the video all the way to the end to see all God's children on the beach singing and dancing "Glory, Glory! Alleluia! He Reigns!" Also, notice how the video changes from night / dark at the beginning to Day / Light as it progresses! Reminds me of how our hearts change when we finally decide to surrender them on over to Jesus...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8R9ZPT2T-I
Do you know that He Reigns? Click here to meet our Reigning Lord!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." 1 Corinthians 15:17 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you wholeheartedly believe in the Resurrection of Jesus. Pray that you wholeheartedly believe in your resurrection after death, if you have a saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
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