Devotions | Resurrection Week - 1 Corinthians 15

Joshua Engen • March 31, 2024

Resurrection Week - 1 Corinthians 15

Daily Devotion 1: Two Foundations


Key Scripture Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:1-2

"Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you—unless you believed in vain."


Summary: Today, let's reflect on the foundations of our faith. Our belief stands on two solid pillars: eyewitness testimony and scriptural evidence. Just as a building stands firm on its foundations, our faith rests on these unshakeable truths. The eyewitness accounts, including that of the Apostle Paul, testify to the reality of Jesus' resurrection. Moreover, the scriptures foretold and confirmed these events, showing that they are part of God's grand plan of redemption. As we go about our day, let's remember the reliability of these foundations and hold fast to the message of the gospel.


Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for providing us with solid foundations for our faith. Help us to cling to the truth of your Word and the testimonies of those who witnessed your resurrection. Strengthen our belief and guard us against doubts and uncertainties. In Jesus' name, amen.


Daily Devotion 2: Jesus Died for Our Sins


Key Scripture Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:3

"For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures."


Summary: Today, let's meditate on the first part of the gospel message: Jesus died for our sins. This profound truth encapsulates the essence of our faith. Jesus, the Son of God, willingly took upon himself the punishment for our sins so that we might be reconciled to God. His death was not merely a historical event but a sacrificial act of love that offers us forgiveness and salvation. As we ponder on this truth, let's express our gratitude to Jesus for His selfless sacrifice and recommit ourselves to living in light of His love.


Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the incredible sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins. Help us to grasp the depth of this truth and live our lives in response to your grace. May we walk in obedience and gratitude, knowing that we have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus. In His name, amen.


Daily Devotion 3: Jesus Rose from the Dead


Key Scripture Verse:1 Corinthians 15:4

"...that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,"


Summary: Today, let's reflect on the second part of the gospel message: Jesus rose from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, affirming His victory over sin and death. It is not a myth or a legend but a historical reality attested by numerous eyewitnesses and confirmed by Scripture. Jesus' resurrection gives us hope for eternal life and assures us of His power to transform lives today. As we contemplate this truth, let's rejoice in the triumph of our risen Lord and live with confidence in promises.


Prayer: Lord Jesus, we praise you for your glorious resurrection, which brings hope and life to all who believe. Help us to embrace the reality of your victory over death and live in the power of your resurrection. May we walk boldly as witnesses of your grace and share the joy of knowing you with others. In your mighty name, amen.


Daily Devotion 4: Hold Fast to the Gospel


Key Scripture Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:2

"...if you hold to the message I preached to you—unless you believed in vain."


Summary: Today, let's focus on the importance of holding fast to the message of the gospel. Believing in Jesus' death and resurrection is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment. We are called to cling to this truth with unwavering faith, resisting the doubts and distractions that seek to undermine our belief. Our salvation hinges on our continued trust in the gospel, so let's guard our hearts and minds against anything that would lead us astray. As we remain steadfast in the truth, may we experience the fullness of God's grace and the assurance of our salvation.


Prayer: Gracious God, help us to hold fast to the message of the gospel, never wavering in our faith. Strengthen us in times of doubt and uncertainty, and fill us with a deep conviction of your truth. May we remain steadfast in our commitment to follow you all the days of our lives. In Jesus' name, amen.


Daily Devotion 5: Living in Response to the Gospel


Key Scripture Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:58

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."


Summary: Today, let's consider how we live in response to the gospel. Our belief in Jesus' death and resurrection should not only shape our theology but also our daily lives. We are called to be steadfast and immovable in our faith, allowing the truth of the gospel to permeate every aspect of who we are. As we excel in the Lord's work, let's remember that our labor is not in vain. Every act of service, every word spoken in love, bears eternal significance in light of the gospel. May we live with purpose and passion, knowing that our lives are a testimony to the transformative power of Jesus Christ.


Prayer: Heavenly Father, empower us to live in response to the gospel, bearing witness to your love and grace in all that we do. Help us to be steadfast and immovable, rooted in your truth and guided by your Spirit. May our lives bring glory to your name as we serve you faithfully. In Jesus' name, amen.


By Joshua Engen June 10, 2024
Acts 2:21-41
By Joshua Engen June 3, 2024
Day 1: The Power of Unity and the Holy Spirit Key Verse: "When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place." - Acts 2:1 (CSB) Summary: The day of Pentecost marked a pivotal moment in Christian history, where the followers of Jesus were united in one place, awaiting the promised Holy Spirit. This unity and anticipation created an environment ripe for a miraculous encounter with God. The Holy Spirit descended upon them, signifying the birth of the Church and empowering believers to spread the gospel. Application Questions: How can you cultivate a sense of unity and anticipation in your faith community? In what ways do you need the Holy Spirit to empower you today? Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help us to stay united in purpose and eagerly await Your presence in our lives. Empower us to spread Your gospel with boldness and love. Amen. Day 2: Speaking in Tongues and Proclaiming God's Deeds Key Verse: "Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them." - Acts 2:4 (CSB) Summary: The disciples began to speak in different languages, empowered by the Holy Spirit, allowing people from various nations to hear about God's magnificent acts. This miracle not only spread the gospel but also symbolized the reversal of Babel, where language barriers once divided humanity. Application Questions: How can you use your unique gifts to communicate God's love to others? Who in your life needs to hear about the great things God has done? Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for empowering us to share Your message. Help me to use my gifts to proclaim Your deeds and reach those who need to hear about Your love. Break down any barriers that prevent others from understanding Your gospel. Amen. Day 3: Calling on the Name of the Lord Key Verse: "Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Acts 2:21 (CSB) Summary: Peter concludes his sermon with the powerful promise that salvation is available to all who call on the name of the Lord. This call is not just a one-time event but a continual act of faith and trust in Jesus as our Savior and King. Application Questions: Have you called on the name of the Lord for your salvation? If not, what is holding you back? How can you help others understand the importance of calling on Jesus for their salvation? Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the gift of salvation available to all who call on Your name. I call on You now, trusting You as my Savior and King. Help me to share this life-saving message with those around me. Amen. ​​ Day 4: The Holy Spirit Dwells Within Every Believer Key Verse: "Don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own." - 1 Corinthians 6:19 (CSB) Summary: The moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. This indwelling presence of God transforms us and empowers us to live a life that reflects Jesus. The Holy Spirit's presence is a constant source of strength, guidance, and comfort. Application Questions: How does knowing the Holy Spirit lives within you influence your daily decisions and actions? What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit? Prayer: Lord, thank You for the incredible gift of Your Spirit dwelling within me. Help me to live in a way that honors Your presence in my life and to seek Your guidance in all that I do. Amen.  Day 5: The Holy Spirit Empowers People to Share the Gospel Key Verse: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." - Acts 1:8 (CSB) Summary: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to share the gospel, often in extraordinary ways. On the day of Pentecost, the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues, allowing them to communicate God's deeds to people of different languages. This empowerment is available to all believers, equipping us to spread the message of Jesus. Application Questions: How can you rely on the Holy Spirit’s power to share the gospel with others? Can you recall a time when the Holy Spirit enabled you to witness in a special way? Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for empowering me to be a witness for Jesus. Give me boldness and the right words to share the gospel with those around me. Help me to rely on Your power rather than my own. Amen.
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