Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Resurrection: Celebrating New Life in Christ
1 Corinthians 15:42-58
“Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?”  (V.55)
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians in chapter 15 is known as the Resurrection chapter. As Christ has been raised from death, then we have victory. This victory comes in many ways such as Victory over loss, Victory for today, Victory in the last day and finally Victory over Death.
We all have suffered the loss of loved ones. We cannot imagine how we can cope with this loss. In this loss and in our suffering of this loss, Christ reminds that a glorious day is near. The day when the dead in Christ shall rise because of the power of His resurrection has given us this victory over loss. It gives us a glorious hope.
Jesus Christ exists in our day to day grind. Christ has given us opportunities in our lives to be a shining example of His love and sacrifice. Are we being that example? We don’t need to preach from a pulpit to have others see us and hear our message. Life hands us a chance to have victory for Christ today. When you wake up, get gas for your car before work, during your work day, sitting in traffic on your way home, when you walk in the door after a long tiring day, do others see this victory?
Paul states that our natural body is sown but our spiritual body will be raised when Christ returns. It will be immediate as Paul describes this and it will allow us to gain the Kingdom of God. The victory of the last day for us will not be of hopelessness and perishing death. Our earthly body will rise and change in a moment because of the power of Jesus Christ. Death will be swallowed up in victory.
Death is part of the cycle of life. Victory over death is victory through Jesus Christ. Christ committed no sin but He gives us freedom from our sins. Christ conquered death because God raised Him from death because death could not hold him. Christ became the redeemer for His people since He will return to bring salvation to all those who are waiting for Him. Christ has won this victory; all we have to do is make Him our Lord and Saviour of our lives.
Paul ends the chapter with practical advice. “Stand firm”.  Don’t let the world stand in your way of your belief in Christ’s resurrection. The Lord has called us for a purpose. Do not waiver in this mission. His resurrection has given us Victory in Life. We no longer need to fear death for ourselves or for our loved ones because Christ has taken our fears up with him by His Resurrection.
Prayer: Lord, allow us the victory of your resurrection to give us a new life in you, where death will no longer have a sting but where we will have eternity with you........Amen
Thought of the Day: Christ’s Resurrection gives us Victory therefore we receive this victory by removing fear of death and embracing eternal life!

Suja Thannickal St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, NY


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