Easter Sunday (NT)

1 Corinthians 15:20-34
20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.
29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (1 Co 15:20–34). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Our Father Adam was deceived. Our Father Adam lost his perfect life, and brought death into this world. Adam has placed a death sentence upon all humanity. Through one man death was brought into this world. And so through one Man death will be vanquished. Jesus Christ has died for our sins. Through one mans death, Jesus Christ gives life to many.

This is truly a powerful image. Most of us think we are just one lonely person. You count up all the people on Earth and you realize you are just one out of so many. You are not a significant number. But here in this text you can see you are a significant person. It only took one man, to condemn all men. It only took one man, to bring life to this world.

You may be only one man or woman, but you are significant. God loved you enough to sacrifice is only son for you. Christ died for the forgiveness of your sins. But also it only took one man to stand before Pharaoh (well maybe two). It was only one man who stood on Mt Carmel against the prophets of Baal. It was only one man who stood before the chief priests and scribes. It was only one man who now sits at the right hand of the God the Father as our Advocate.

You may be just one person, but you like these do not stand alone. You stand with Christ by your side. You are significant and have been given great love.

PS: Alternate New Testament Lesson is Colossians 2:6-16.