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Bible Pathways 11/27/2000



November 27

I Corinthians 14 -- 16

The physical resurrection of Jesus Christ is vital to our Christian faith. If He did not physically rise, then He did not conquer death, and we have no hope beyond the grave. But it is a triumphant fact that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures (I Corinthians 15:3-6). For the Christian, death is not the end of life, but the beginning of a glorious, eternal future with our wonderful Lord: In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead (in Christ) shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible (physical part of us) must put on incorruption (free from the power of death). . . . Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory (over death) through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:52-53,57). This victory over death is only for those who have personally believed in and received Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.
Therefore, Paul concluded his glorious thoughts on the return of the Lord by saying: Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (it is never wasted) (15:58).
Our Savior has assured us that the hour is coming, when all who are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; those who have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:28-29).
We have the utmost confidence that, if the Spirit of Him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, (then) He who raised up Christ (Jesus) from the dead shall also quicken (restore to life) your mortal bodies by His Spirit who dwells in you (Romans 8:11).
The Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout . . . and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first (I Thessalonians 4: 16). All graves will be opened; the land and sea will give up their dead; and the living will be instantly transformed, rising out of corruptible bodies into immortality. The battle has been fought, the victory won, and the glorious gift of God, eternal life, will manifest itself through our Lord Jesus Christ. Until that time, He deserves our greatest love, gratitude, praise, and loyalty.
Our threefold purpose for living is to become the person God planned for us to be so that we may accomplish His will and prepare for eternity with Him. All earthly achievements are meaningless unless they serve the eternal purposes of God. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh (our carnal nature), to live after the flesh (a life ruled by the standards of this world). For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if through (the power of) the Spirit you do (continue to) mortify (put to death), the deeds of the body, you shall live (forever) (Romans 8:12-13).
Cross References:
For I Corinthians 14:21: See Isa. 28:11-12. I Cor. 15:25: See Psa. 110:1. I Cor. 15:27: See Psa. 8:6. I Cor. 15:32: See Isa. 22:13. I Cor. 15:45: See Gen. 2:7. I Cor. 15:54: See Isa. 25:8. I Cor. 15:55: See Hos. 13:14.

Prayer:

Pray for Rick Hash and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on KIBC-FM, Burney, CA · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast in memory of Tim Peterson · Country: Libya (4 million) in North Africa · Major languages: Arabic and Italian · No form of Christian witness to Libyans is permitted · 98% Muslim; 2% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Pray that Christian parents will faithfully train their children in the ways of God (Deuteronomy 6:7).
Memory Verse for the Week:
James 2:26


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