Happy Friday! Have you ever been apart from someone you love or loved? It may have been painful for you to get through the first day, week, month or year without them. Today, we will read on Paul’s continued address to the Corinthian church, and the hope we have because of Christ Jesus. Enjoy the read and have a wonderful weekend.

²¹ So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. ²² Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. ²³ But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.” – 1 Corinthians 15:21-23 NLT

Paul reminds the church of how death came to all of us because of Adam’s disobedience in the garden (Genesis 3:17-19). However, he reminds the church and us of the hope that we have in Christ Jesus who was raised from the dead.

Sisters and brothers, those who believe in Christ Jesus have hope. Hope that extends beyond the grave. In our new life and identity in Christ our old identity goes away. In addition to living a new life in Christ here on earth, although we die, all those who believe will be raised when Christ returns.

There are additional scriptures to remember as think on the hope we have in Christ Jesus:

• John 14:2-3 NLT – “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. ² There is more than enough room in my Father’s home.^[a] If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?^[b] 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. ⁴ And you know the way to where I am going.”
• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NLT – “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died^[h] will rise from their graves. ¹⁷ Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. ¹⁸ So encourage each other with these words.”

Father God, thank you for your unfailing love toward us. Thank you for standing in the gap for us. Thank you for making a way for us to be reconciled to the Father. Lord, forgive us for the times when we doubted your word or your plan. Lord, we know death is emotionally and mentally painful, but we also know because of who you are and our belief in you, that we will be with you for all eternity. Lord there is no greater certainty. Lord, remind us often of your grace and love for us. Remind us often of your plan and purpose for our lives. Lord, help us to remember to encourage one another with your Word and promises. Lord, thank you for the peace and comfort that you give even when we grieve the loss of someone we love. Lord, although it hurts to lose someone we love, we will trust you. Help us all. In Jesus name, amen.

Keep praying! Keep Trusting! Keep believing!

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