Read: I Corinthians 15:1-28
Think: After reading through the New Testament for over 80 days, you have most likely become very familiar with the term, the “good news” or the “gospel.” In this chapter, Paul continues to teach the church to put their faith into action, once again addressing how the “good news” has both earthly and eternal significance. He reminds us that it is “good news” to receive freedom from sins condemning accusations against us and forgiveness from them. But that is not all! Through Christ’s death and resurrection, the “gospel” also allows us to know what lies before us in eternity—we can be certain that we have eternal life because of this great good news!
Act: I was a brand new Christian when I met Roger Tirabassi. He had recruited me to become a part of a city-wide youth ministry in which he was the executive director. Though Roger was still in his 20’s at the time, he regularly talked about eternity. He would repeat scriptures to us that talked about heaven as our “home,” as the place where our treasures were stored and where our work for the Lord would be rewarded. I often thought that Roger was too young to talk about, think about, or look forward to eternity. But Roger, like Paul, wanted to remind those of us who were younger in our faith that Christ did not die simply so we might have happy, problem-free earthly lives. Christ died so that we might be forgiven of the sin that separated us from a holy God. He died so that we might not only experience an abundant life on earth but be assured that we will spend eternity in heaven with Christ and our heavenly Father. How often do you think about eternity? Ask God to show you something more about His resurrection that will give you a great capacity for putting your faith in action on earth!
Pray: Dear Jesus, help me to grow in faith. Teach me how to live for eternity. Give me the ability to articulate the fullness of the Gospel to those who are seeking You. Thank You, Jesus, for dying on the cross for my sins so that I might be clean and forgiven. Thank You for paying the cost for my sins that I might receive free gift of eternal life. Let me never forget the hope of the Gospel! I love You. Amen.
Be full of faith today!
