Sometimes it’s helpful to read the scriptures from a different translation. Today I have chosen to post our text from the Phillip’s Translation of the New Testament…

 “20 But the glorious fact is that Christ was raised from the dead: he has become the very first to rise of all who sleep the sleep of death. 21 As death entered the world through a man, so has rising from the dead come to us through a man! 22 As members of a sinful race all men die; as members of Christ all men shall be raised to life, 23 each in his proper order, with Christ the very first and after him all who belong to him when he comes. 24 Then, and not till then, comes the end when Christ, having abolished all other rule, authority and power, 25 hands over the kingdom to God the Father. Christ’s reign will and must continue until every enemy has been conquered. 26 The last enemy of all to he destroyed is death itself. 27 The scripture says: He hath put all things in subjection under his feet. But in the term “all things” it is quite obvious that God, who brings them all under subjection to Christ, is himself excepted. 28 Nevertheless, when everything has been made subject to God, then shall the Son himself be subject to God, who gave him power over all things. Thus, in the end, shall God be wholly and absolutely God.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, Phil.

There are several important topics the Apostle Paul touches upon in this text. Notice how he emphasizes that Christ’s resurrection establishes the pattern for our eventual resurrection (V:20). Paul also explained an important understanding of the Gospel (V:21-22)as he defines Jesus as the second Adam who came to establish a new race of those born again unto the resurrection of life! Finally, the Apostle encourages us with the fact that someday death, our enemy will be destroyed, and we will live forever under God’s full authority forever. (V:24-28).

“looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” Titus 2:13, 14, NKJV.

To God be the Glory now and forever!

 Pastor Mike