Hearing God’s Voice from His Word
James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Take a moment and turn your attention to God. Tell God that you desire to trust and obey Him. Ask God to speak to you from His word.
Psalm of the Day
Psalm 97:1-5 The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coasts and islands be glad.
2 Clouds and total darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. 3 Fire goes before him and burns up his foes on every side. 4 His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord—at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
Read the Entire Psalm
The Lord Reigns – We have reason to rejoice always, why? Because the Lord reigns. He will always reign and nothing will threaten His reign. His reign is perfect and glorious. Praise the Lord who reigns.
Scripture Reading
1 Corinthians 15:50-58 – Christian Standard Bible
50 What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor can corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Listen, I am telling you a mystery: We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. 53 For this corruptible body must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body must be clothed with immortality. 54 When this corruptible body is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place:
Death has been swallowed up in victory.
55 Where, death, is your victory?
Where, death, is your sting?
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
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.
Having God’s Ear through Prayer
- Express thanks to God.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal sin to you.
- Confess your sin to Him and receive forgiveness.
(1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sin He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins.”) - Bring your personal requests to God.
(Psalm 62:8 “Pour out your heart before God”) - Pray for someone in your small group.
- Join with others from River and pray for youth leaving for San Diego on Saturday. Ask God to use their time to strengthen and go Mission Trails Church in San Diego.
Living as God’s People by applying the Bible
Scripture Reflection from the Sermon
Victorious Resurrection
Today we close out Chapter 15, verses 50-58. This is the bottom line to the resurrection… death has been swallowed up in victory, and the sting of death has been defeated. Go back to the passage, and read it slowly. Marvel at the reality of the resurrection. When you’re done, join in with Paul, and thank God, “Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!”