Daily Reflections, Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15

A judge in India recently sent a summons to two individuals to appear before his court. He was trying to settle a property dispute. Who are the people? Two pagan gods.

This is a silly story, but honestly, this is how religion really is. True Christianity is different. Why? Because our deity, our God is alive. Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

The Apostle Paul said that the miracle of the resurrection is the foundation of our faith. Without it we are “of all men, most miserable.” (1 Cor. 15:19). And that’s the reason why most people, stuck in the traditions of their religious practices, are miserable. Christianity is different. It’s not a system. It’s not just a lifestyle. It’s not an organization. Christianity is about a person, Jesus Christ, who is both God and man. His death and resurrection give us reason to live on this earth and the hope of Heaven in eternity. So when you pray today, know that you’re not praying to a stone god who can’t move. You’re not paying tribute to an abstract idea. You’re not following a heroic leader whose bones are buried in some cemetery. You’re praying to Jesus Christ, who is alive and whose Spirit lives within you.

Today's Quote: The concept of the resurrection lies at the
heart of Christianity. If you remove it, Christianity is destroyed.  —John R. Stott