Here in these words in 1st Corinthians, Paul addresses the point that beyond the consideration of 'Substitutional Sacrifice', Christ's death and resurrection also addresses the Hebrew beliefs on death and what lies beyond our earthly passing. Here, Christ has shattered any idea that there is nothing beyond our earthly life, rather He proves for us that there is life ever after.
During the sermon, I told the story of my Aunt Carol's 'Near-Death-Experience'. Aunt Carol had a very traumatic event in her life that forever changed her and left her with no fear of death and the full knowledge that there is more for us beyond and after our time here in this world. It also left her aching to be reunited with one so very dear to her in this world, her son David (Davey). I, unfortunately, can relate to this portion of her story as I too long to be reunited with a son who waits for me beyond this world. Gail and I lost a son Wyatt Christian Karlen, and I know the emptiness that my Aunt Carol carried with her for so many, many years.
Take a listen to the sermon and hear Carol's moving story... by the way this sermon was given on the same day as Carol's funeral. I traveled back home to Reliance, South Dakota to help in the performance of Carol's funeral and then rushed back in order to preach that evening in Lake City. It was a very quick trip home and but well worth the effort, fatigue, and discomfort.
God bless you Aunt Carol and I look forward to seeing you again someday!
Be a blessing to someone today!
In His Grace,
Roy
1 Corinthians 15:51-58 Revised Standard Version (RSV)
51 Lo! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable nature must put on the imperishable, and this mortal nature must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O death, where is thy victory?
O death, where is thy sting?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please be respectful in your comments to each other and to myself as well.
Thank you and Bless you for reading and commenting.