1 Corinthians 15: 1-28

A theological issue that Corinthians struggled within the church was Dualism which taught that everything physical is evil, so the concept of Jesus giving us new bodies was considered unthinkable. Another theological issue were the Jews who were influenced by Sadducees who didn't believe in the resurrection of Jesus or anyone in the Old Testament. Paul has to re-enforce the authenticity of Jesus by referring Him back to Old Testament prophecies that the resurrection and new bodies are good and God willed.

Paul empathised the importance of the gospel story, reminding them that their entire redemption relied on the cross and deaths defeat. If Jesus did not die in our place even if he was the Messiah then we would all have false hope. It would be better for us to indulge in our secular pursuits to cherish the small time we have, if it would not be for the gospel. 

Every saint got a past, every sinner got a future. I think back how many people I know who grew up in their christian cultures have left the faith, and somehow a dropkick like me prospers in it. Praise God as this reminds me that only God can guarantee our faith's authenticity rather than how we compose ourselves or how we grew up. And so I'm always encouraged the way Paul considers himself as the lowest of the apostles since he was not personally discipled by Jesus like them as well as his extreme involvement in Christian persecution. Somehow despite this God used Paul the most, and Paul credits only God for this.

Prayer/repentance:
- Given the opportunity, instill in me a fear for you to be a witness to Tahmid
- Keep me in labour
- Whatever it takes, please help me love you. i'm tired of this obligatory shit