I think those words would be used of Christianity and Christians by many atheists and agnostics. Secular people believing that this life is all that counts, would agree with these words, even if too polite, friendly or too kind to use them.
But this has been written: "(their) preaching is useless, and so is (their) faith"; "(their) faith is futile"; "(they) are to be pitied more than all men". Do you recognize these phrases? They were written 2000 years ago by the Apostle Paul. He affirmed that these words are true about Christians and Christianity - unless - unless Christ has been raised from the dead.
Read I Corinthians 15 slowly. Don't leave it just for funerals or Easter Sunday. The resurrection of Christ, and therefore our own resurrection, is central and foundational to our faith. Paul affirms in a variety of ways that if the resurrection is not true, then he has wasted his life; he should be considered a fool and a deceiver; and all believers have futile faith and are lost in their sin.
In the midst of the chapter comes that glorious phrase "BUT CHRIST". Yes, we affirm, "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." I love that strong affirmation. Yes central to our Christian faith is Christ - his death and his resurrection. Without this, the heart of Christianity is lost.
Those who assert that all world religions are the same; that we all believe basically the same things; just don't understand. True orthodox Christians believe Christ is unique; what He has accomplished is unique; and what is promised to all who truly believe in Him is unique. Not the same, not slightly different but absolutely unique.
That is why we meet on Sunday's - not Friday's or Saturday's. Because Christ rose on that long ago Sunday and His resurrection has changed the world and changed us forever. So celebrate His glorious resurrection this Sunday and every day!
But this has been written: "(their) preaching is useless, and so is (their) faith"; "(their) faith is futile"; "(they) are to be pitied more than all men". Do you recognize these phrases? They were written 2000 years ago by the Apostle Paul. He affirmed that these words are true about Christians and Christianity - unless - unless Christ has been raised from the dead.
Read I Corinthians 15 slowly. Don't leave it just for funerals or Easter Sunday. The resurrection of Christ, and therefore our own resurrection, is central and foundational to our faith. Paul affirms in a variety of ways that if the resurrection is not true, then he has wasted his life; he should be considered a fool and a deceiver; and all believers have futile faith and are lost in their sin.
In the midst of the chapter comes that glorious phrase "BUT CHRIST". Yes, we affirm, "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." I love that strong affirmation. Yes central to our Christian faith is Christ - his death and his resurrection. Without this, the heart of Christianity is lost.
Those who assert that all world religions are the same; that we all believe basically the same things; just don't understand. True orthodox Christians believe Christ is unique; what He has accomplished is unique; and what is promised to all who truly believe in Him is unique. Not the same, not slightly different but absolutely unique.
That is why we meet on Sunday's - not Friday's or Saturday's. Because Christ rose on that long ago Sunday and His resurrection has changed the world and changed us forever. So celebrate His glorious resurrection this Sunday and every day!
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