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Imperfection that Brings Hope

Part 28 + Part 1 of Wonder >>

December 5, 2021 • Chan Mitchell

1 Corinthians 16 concludes Paul's long letter to the church in Corinth. In this final chapter, Paul offers some
practical applications to help maintain unity in the Body. He instructs them on how to prepare a special
collection of funds for needy Christians in Jerusalem. He describes his plan to visit them in person after
wrapping up his ministry in Ephesus and stopping by churches in Macedonia. He reveals that Timothy and
other leaders will be visiting them soon. Finally, Paul commends a team of faithful servants from Corinth that
came to minister to him. Paul’s final words in the letter are a declaration of love for all.

Mystery and Victory

November 28, 2021 • Chan Mitchell

Our work in the Lord is not a waste of time. Our service is not in vain. Our worship is not a waste. Because of the resurrection, what we give for the cause of Christ and His kingdom has eternal value. 1 Corinthians 15:50–58 powerfully concludes Paul's teaching on the resurrection of Christ and His believers. When the last trumpet blasts and Christ returns for those who belong to Him, all believers in Jesus, living and dead, will be transformed into the glorified, eternal bodies God has promised us. Death will be defeated forever, never to hurt anyone again. Sin brings death, and the law is the power of sin, but God has given us the victory over death by forgiving our sin through faith in Jesus and by His grace.

The New Body

November 21, 2021 • Chan Mitchell

Just as in the days of the Apostle Paul, there seems to be a growing skepticism today around Jesus, His death and resurrection. However, few passages are more helpful in restoring our confidence than 1 Corinthians 15:35-39 and its promise of resurrection life. Paul makes a strong argument to skeptics in Corinth by drawing truth from creation in the way a seed comes to life, and in the way dust becomes glory. For those who trust in Christ, Paul says what is buried in the dust will be resurrected in the likeness of Christ. Utilizing a variety of analogies, Paul describes the indescribable - namely the way in which children of Adam formed from the dust of earth are raised to new life, given glorified bodies, and share in Christ’s heavenly glory.

Because of The Ressurection

November 14, 2021 • Chan Mitchell

What if the resurrection never occurred? What if Mary and Mary Magdalene had walked up to the tomb and didn’t find the stone rolled away? Without the resurrection, the disciples would have never started the church. Without the resurrection, Jesus was just another man. Without the resurrection, there would be no Christianity, no peace, and no hope. The resurrection changed everything, and the resurrection changes everything for us. We may still experience the consequences of sin and may face strained relationships along with financial, emotional, or physical struggles. We still endure pain and may shed tears because of problems or troubles in the world. However, because Jesus rose from the dead, we who are in Christ will also be raised to eternal life to be with Christ forever. Because the tomb is empty, death doesn’t have the last word.