1 CORINTHIANS 15:50–58 – I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

THEME OF THE DAY. CHRIST: ENOUGH IN LIFE AND DEATH.  Throughout the history of the church, confessions and catechisms have played an important part in the lives of the church and Christians.  They are not inspired but simply an organized way of teaching the truth of scriptures in families and the church.  One of the most devotional and informative is the Heidelberg Catechism. It was penned in 1563 and remains a popular catechism.  Let me encourage us to spend time reading it as individuals and families.  It is wonderful.

In the first question and answer of the Heidelberg Catechism, we are provided a trinitarian view of our salvation.  Within the answer is the soul-warming truths of our salvation and security in Christ.  Here they are . . .

Heidelberg Catechism

QUESTION ONE: What is thy only comfort in life and death?

ANSWER: That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who, with His precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

What glorious truths!  We are purchased by the Lord Jesus, forever secure in the family of God, have the privilege of calling God “Our Father” and know the Holy Spirit as our great comforter who gives us assurance of standing with God.

Take time and ponder the catechism question and answer.  As we do, rejoice in such a God we have!

PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for the hope You gave me in Your Son.”

QUOTE: “Christ is enough for all we need in this life and all eternity. Trust Him for both.”

In the affection of Christ Jesus,

Pastor Jim