Friday, July 14, 2023 – 1 Corinthians 15

Just for fun, I looked up the word “religion” in Wikipedia. Interestingly, I discovered there are many competing definitions for this word. But what they all have in common is the understanding of religion as a system of beliefs people hold that in some way makes sense of life. Not really much different than what philosophy is, except with religion something spiritual is usually involved.

Here's where it gets a little nerdy (OK, it’s already nerdy). If this is how scholars define religion, then according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 15, Christianity isn’t actually a religion. It’s a way of life based on a set of historical events involving a Jewish rabbi who was executed around 33 A.D. That, and apparently he came back to life three days later, appearing to more than 500 people. Now that’s a rather significant set of historical events!

But what makes these events even more significant is what this rabbi said and did before he was killed. First, he went around first-century Judea healing the sick, miraculously feeding thousands, and even bringing dead people back to life! Second, he claimed to be a god! But not just any god, this rabbi claimed to be Israel’s God, come to set his people free from death and brokenness in all its forms.

Most importantly, he offered his followers a way of life defined not by achievement or wealth or power or security, but by love and joy and generosity. He claimed that he would take care of everything for his followers—even death! And they could trust him with their lives!

So, if this is all true, that this rabbi was what he claimed to be, what does that mean for us? Perhaps we can trust him with our lives. Perhaps this way of life he offered to his followers is available to us as well. So . . . what if this is all true?

Questions for reflection:

  1. What do you think of the statement that Christianity is a way of life rather than a religion?
  2. What does it mean in practical terms to trust Jesus with your life? How does that impact the decisions you make and the way you spend your time?

Bible passages for further exploration: Luke 24:36-43, John 20:24-29, Acts 1:1-4