Verse of the Day 5/9

1 Corinthians 15:20(NKJV)  But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

 

Some translations begin today's verse with "in fact" or "the fact is" which are true but the NKJV and a few others catch our attention with the words but now.  Yes, Jesus Christ did rise from the dead over 2 thousand years ago, but He is still alive today, NOW!  Stop for a minute and think of what that means to and for you today, tomorrow, and for eternity.

 

It is because He arose that we have a future and a hope in Him.  I read the following quote today from "Of First Importance" and thought it went well with today's verse.

 

"It seems to me that the great difference between practical theism and practical atheism is the church of the living God. Jesus is alive, and we can't keep that a secret. It is not okay to think, When they get to know us, they'll realize that Jesus is alive. It has to be front and center in our worship, our smiles, our greetings, our interaction, our preaching — in everything we do, Jesus is alive. Church is not an evangelical golf club. It is the church of the living God, and we need to indicate that. We don't want to give the impression that Jesus died and went to heaven in 1950. He's still alive and doing things today." - Josh Moody "No Other Gospel".

 

These things together brought an old hymn to mind.  "No Other Plea".  May it be the case in your heart today.  If you know the "Everliving One", sing it in your heart or out loud if you know it.

 

My faith has found a resting place,
Not in device nor creed;
I trust the Everliving One,
His wounds for me shall plead.

Refrain:
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea;
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.

—Lidie H. Edmunds, 19th Century

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

1 Corinthians 15:20-26(NKJV) The Last Enemy Destroyed

²⁰ But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. ²¹ For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. ²² For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. ²³ But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.²⁴ Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. ²⁵ For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. ²⁶ The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.