1 Corinthians 15

Besides the amazing basic facts that embody the Gospel, there is another point that impressed me. But first the facts:

1. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. The Perfect One took upon Himself all of our imperfections. We don't deserve this. But because of His Love and desire to re-establish a relationship with us, He unselfishly performed this most loving act.

2. He was buried and rose again on the third day. His Body never experienced decay as was foretold in the scriptures. (Acts 13:35)

3. He showed Himself to over 500 people. Witnesses - a powerful stamp of approval for the truth. Even Paul saw Him.

Jesus died for our sins, we are made righteous by His Blood. He has risen thus abolishing death once and for all. "Oh death, where is thy sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:55) We will see Him again and spend eternity with The One Whom I Love!

In this chapter Paul continues to show much humility. Here stands one of the greatest apostles of all time; enduring all types of persecutions and beatings, left to die, thrown out of towns, and yet he never quits. How many conversions can be credited to him? How many churches have received admonitions done in love? And yet he says about himself:

1 Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles and not even fit to be called an apostle because I persecuted God's church.

And then Paul explains who he really is:

1Corinthians 15:10 But by God's grace I am what I am, and his grace shown to me was not wasted. Instead, I worked harder than all the others-not I, of course, but God's grace that was with me.

I love how Paul truly gives credit where credit is due. I have noticed this theme throughout his letters. He does nothing, the Holy Spirit does it all. He is nothing, the Holy Spirit defines him. He gives glory where glory is due:

Peter says it perfectly:

1 Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks must speak God's words. Whoever serves must serve with the strength that God supplies, so that in every way God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. Glory and power belong to him forever and ever! Amen.

I love the fact that we can truly say, we are who we are by God's grace!