“We eat, we drink, the next day we die,” and that’s all there is to it. But don’t fool yourselves. Don’t let yourselves be poisoned by this anti-resurrection loose talk. “Bad company ruins good manners.” – 1 Cor 15:32-33 (MSG Bible). I believe these words are fitting for our society’s current state as we are surrounded by bad news, fake news, moral outrage, hot topics, and hot takes. Our hearts are pulled into perpetual fear anticipating the next big failure, with a limited view of possible solutions. It is no wonder politics (based on fear, doomsday rhetoric, and outrage) are our religion and those in office are our saviors.
The Kings James reads 1 Cor 15:33 as, “Evil communications corrupt good manners.”
Paul was talking to a church that had dysfunction and had allowed some among them to communicate falsehoods that corrupted and confused their message, reducing their hope in the Good News.
Paul preached to them a message of Christ’s death and bodily resurrection. Some were discounting the resurrection of all believers in the last days. But to disbelieve the resurrection of those who “fall asleep” in Christ was to discredit the resurrection of Jesus.
To do so Paul says, would be to “believe in vain” and their faith was “worthless.” That is not good news.
For the Good News to be good news then we believe that Jesus has risen.
Jesus has risen above all. He transcends this world and the world to come bringing heaven down to Earth and elevating the humble sinner to the Cross. This is the transforming message of the church.
But we have attached ourselves to the idols of
We didn’t start this way. We’ve just been drawn in slowly for too long. Comedian John Crist says, “Check your heart.” Paul says,
“Comeback to Your Senses”
“Think straight. Awaken to the holiness of life. No more playing fast and loose with resurrection facts. Ignorance of God is a luxury you can’t afford in times like these. Aren’t you embarrassed that you’ve let this kind of thing go on as long as you have?” – 1 Cor 15:34 (MSB Bible)
This has gone on for too long. Isn’t it time for a change? Don’t allow bad news to trump good news. Believe the resurrection.
The resurrection proves that Jesus is greater than idols.
Jesus is greater than your fears.
Jesus is greater than your outrage.
Jesus is greater than your politics.
Jesus is greater. Believe it!
And the Good News is greater than bad news. Everyday.
Never lose hope. Here’s why.
The resurrection wins against lies.
The resurrection wins against sin.
The resurrection wins against evil.
The resurrection wins against the evil one.
The resurrection wins against ignorance.
The resurrection wins against violence.
The resurrection wins against hate.
The resurrection wins against our weakness.
The resurrection wins against the cross.
The resurrection
The resurrection wins against death.
The resurrection wins every time! Believe it!
This kind of Good News wins people to the hope of salvation and the promise of a better life. This kind of Good News that can never be shaken or defeated is powered by the love of God.
Pursue God’s Love
You can choose a better way for yourself. This is the way God has planned for you.
“Follow the way of love. Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it—because it does.”
1 Corinthians 14:1
The Good News of Jesus Christ is both a reminder and an invitation. Don’t forget your First Love and what he has done for you and the world through his death, burial, and resurrection.
Accept his invitation into a greater calling upon your life. A resurrected life of faith, hope, and love. Believe it!
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Jovan preaches for the Littleton Church of Christ near Denver, Colorado. Visit here to listen to sermons preached at the Littleton Church.