Victory in Christ
Jesus’ death and resurrection is at the core of the Christian faith. It is because of Jesus that we experience the free gift of salvation. Jesus’ death not only makes up for all of our wrong doing, but it also gives us the opportunity to have a relationship with God.
However, there are many other benefits that came through Jesus’ death and resurrection. One aspect that Paul focuses on in 1 Corinthians 15 is the victory that comes through Jesus.
Scripture says that Jesus’ death not only took care of our sin problem, but He also defeated the power of sin. That means we can experience abundant life by the power of the Holy Spirit living within us.
Jesus’ death and resurrection also defeated the consequence of our sin, which is death. We no longer need to fear death because Jesus has power over it. He came back from the dead, and now He gives eternal, abundant life to those who believe in Him.
This is why Paul encourages his readers to stand firm in their faith. Victory has already been won by Jesus, and as Christians we are partakers in that victory. There is nothing that can take away God’s love. Nothing can remove us from His plan of salvation.
Even so, Paul encourages us to continue to work for the Lord as the work of God will never be worthless. Because Jesus has already attained victory, all the work done in His name will produce victory as well.
So what is the work of the Lord? It is continuing to share the hope and love of Jesus with other people. It is loving God and loving others. All of us have areas of ministry, whether in our homes, neighborhoods, or workplaces. And because Jesus is victorious, we should be confident in pursuing the work God has given us.
So let’s be extravagant in how we love others in our life. Let’s not be ashamed to share His good news with other people.
There's No Peace Without His Presence
Moses was standing in the middle of a desert—both literally and spiritually. The people had just rebelled against God by building an idol of a golden calf, and now their future felt uncertain.
Yet in this moment of deep tension, Moses makes a bold request: If God’s presence won’t go with them to their destination, Moses says, he’d rather not go at all.
It’s not that Moses didn’t want the promised land. But more than the land, more than progress, more than answers, Moses wanted God Himself. He knew that no amount of success, comfort, or direction could ever replace the nearness of the Lord.
There are seasons in life when we find ourselves in our own wilderness: confused, dried up, uncertain of the next step. In those moments, it’s easy to crave clarity. But what we truly need is God's presence, not just answers.
Peace doesn’t come from knowing the plan. It comes from knowing He is with us in it.
God's presence is our distinguishing mark. ...