July 27, 2010
1 Corinthians 15
Pastor Wil Mouer
The End is Near
When I was a teenager, a book came out that is called 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Could Take Place in 1988. It was a real eye-opener for me. I read it cover to cover and made a new commitment to the Lord, just to make sure that I was “in the book.”
We still hear a lot these days about the second coming of Christ, the tribulation, the rapture and other end-time prophecies. Even in the days of the early church, this was a topic of discussion and apparent confusion. In 1 Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul addressed some of the issues, clearing up doctrine on the resurrection of Christ, resurrection of the dead, and resurrection of the body.
Paul taught that the first key to Christianity is that Jesus resurrected from the dead in a new body. Because of this truth, all those that believe will not be overcome by death.
Death is not the end, but a new beginning. Since Jesus rose from the dead, we too will have a resurrected body when we leave Earth. That’s good news…no more watching our diet or going to the gym to keep in shape, since we will all have perfect bodies designed to last for eternity! This awakens us to the reality of how short life is, and should inspire us to live each day to the fullest. After all, this life is just the internship program for all eternity.
How are you living in light of the coming eternity? What should you adjust in how you spend your time, talents, and treasures?
Illinois native Wil Mouer directs “NextGen” (6th-12th grade and college-age) ministries at Grace Covenant Church and serves periodically on the weekend teaching team
