1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (NRSV)
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Chapter 15Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, Verse 2through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you-unless you have come to believe in vain. Verse 3For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, Verse 4and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, Verse 5and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Verse 6Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Verse 7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Verse 8Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. Verse 9For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. Verse 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them-though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Verse 11Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.
Devotion
Paul tells us that he has passed on to us what is of “first importance,” that Christ died for our sins, was buried, was raised on the third day and appeared to his disciples. This is the central message of our faith, the most important thing! There is much that divides the body of Christ these days, but this central message unites us. This is what is of first importance. This is what God calls us to share with the world! Despite all our differences, may God help us work together to share this good news with a world in need.
Prayer
Gracious God, thank you that Jesus died and was raised for us. Help us to share this good news with the world. Amen.