The House You're Building

1 Corinthians 15:12-19 says Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied .     But take heart because He has been raised and our faith is not in vain.   It is true and Jesus says in verse 29 that those who believe in Him are blessed.     Read c...

God I’m not trying to rule the roost I don’t want to be king of the mountain. I haven’t meddled where I have no business Or fantasized grandiose plans. I’ve kept my feet on the ground, I’ve cultivated a quiet heart. Like a baby content in its mother’s arms, My soul is a baby content. Wait, Israel, for God.   Wait with hope. Hope now; hope always! Psalm 131   It’s probably no accident that God gave me this Psalm today.   Like many of you, I’m anticipating a busy and full week next week.   One of the tasks on my to-do list today is to make a list!   That’s pretty pathetic…   I’ve been longing for some quiet time to fill myself up with peace to last me through my future of shopping, cleaning, and cooking, with a few birthday parties thrown in the next few days.     I set aside time with the Lord but sometimes my heart isn’t fully quiet.   I was fascinated today by the idea of cultivating qui...

Key Verse:   “…For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world – to bear witness to the truth.   Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”   John 18:37 (ESV)   God, in the form of man, came to earth to speak truth and to make himself known to you.   He also came so that believers would not bear the consequences of our sin and instead would one day live with Him in righteousness.   But in order for that to happen, God – as man – first had to die for us.   John, Jesus’ beloved disciple witnessed Jesus’ death and describes what Jesus endured in chapters 18 and 19.   These are hard chapters to read, but remember that Jesus bore what He did out of love for you.   “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”   Read John 18 and 19   ·          How does each charac...

Key Verse: “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:20-21 ESV)   This is one of my favorite prayers in the Bible, because I get to read what Jesus prays for me!   As you read this chapter, consider the following questions:   ·         How does this prayer show He is God? ·         What does He pray for the disciples?   Other believers?   Do you think that is the same thing? ·         Unity is a big theme in this prayer as Jesus constantly mentions His unity with the Father.   What does He teach about unity through His prayer? ·         Reread verse 3.   What is eternal life? ...

Key Verse: I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)   Jesus is continuing his final instructions before His betrayal.   This chapter falls into three parts, the benefits of the Holy Spirit, the promise of joy from sorrow, and His promise to speak so they can understand.   Throughout His encouragements to them is the hope in the Spirit and His desire to see that things won’t always be so hard.   No matter where you are at today, may the peace that Jesus gives help you consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18).   Read John 16:1-15 ·          This part of the chapter has many facts about the Holy Spirit.   Read and list what you learn about the convictions He brings when he comes.   Not...