1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NKJV)
3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
What do you fear most? The majority of people rank public speaking higher on the scale of fear even over dying. So, for arguments sake, let’s rate dying as number two. Are you afraid of dying? What if I told you that you could overcome that fear and live forever? Would you want to know about it? Probably.
There is One who has overcome sin and death and lives to share that gift with you. Paul is the writer of this verse and the Book of Corinthians. Paul says that what he received, he also delivered to us. So it is with Christ. What He received from the Father, the gift of forgiveness and eternal life, He also delivered to us. All we have to do is put our faith and trust in Him. In John 1:12 it says “Yet to all who received Him….He gave the right to become children of God.” Are you a child of God? Do you want to be?
Hospitality was a big deal in ancient times. Greeting people and bringing them into your home was imperative. How do you greet people today? Jesus is coming. Will you receive Him? What stands in your way? Do you know how to receive Him? Is the house clean enough? On our fridge, we have a sign which says “Our House was clean last week; too bad you missed it!” Jesus doesn’t care about your house. He only cares about your Temple and He is willing to clean the Temple up for you! He will clean the Temple in which His Holy Spirit will reside (your heart) if you will open the door to Him. Today, open the door. No excuses! Let Him come in and abide with you and love you. His love will make you feel better than you ever felt before!
Lord, You said that You would abide with us if we invite You in. Help us today to overcome our fears and excuses and boldly throw open the door to our hearts. We know we will never be the same. Help us to be the people You called us to be. In Your name we pray!