CityView Magazine

CityViewNC.com | 13 W "WE ARE OF ALL PEOPLE most to be pitied." ese words of the Apostle Paul do not sound like the good news and hope of the Christian faith that he consistently expresses in his writings. Could this be the same Paul who wrote "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice you who are most to be pitied" (Philippians 4:4) to another church? ese words sound out of place for our Apostle because they make up only half of a sentence in which he speculates what life would mean for Christians if, aer all, the good news was false. What if Christ had not been raised from death? What if we have no hope of our own resurrection? e full sentence reads in answer, "If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied" (1 Corinthians 15:19). Now, let's be clear about one thing, the Apostle Paul does not doubt for one minute that Jesus Christ rose from the dead; nor does he doubt that those who believe in Christ as Savior and Lord will also rise from the dead to live forever with Christ. In the following verse of Scripture, he says, "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20). e firstfruits of the harvest were a promise of more to come. Christ was the first to rise from the dead. e fact of His resurrection is the assurance of the future resurrection of all who are in Him by faith. So, if Paul is so certain of the historical reality of Christ's resurrection, then why speculate on the impact of the contrary belief? ere were some who were troubling the church by teaching that there is no resurrection for those who are in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:12). Many people despise the idea of physical resurrection. Some see the idea of 09/16/2017. Not valid online for previous purchases. Min. $125 per transaction in gift card purchases. Cannot be or 90-minute Wellness Massage session. Session times include hands-on service time and a total of 10 minutes of time for consultation and dressing, which occurs pre and post service. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Prices subject to change. Rates and services may vary by location and session. For a specific list of services, check with specific franchised location or see MassageEnvy.com. Gift cards are not redeemable or refundable for cash or credit except where required by law. Each location is independently owned and operated. ©2017 Massage Envy Franchising, LLC. ME-DNLD-1740-00-001-04X6 - MORE WAYS - TO THANK DAD MAY 15 – JUNE 18 FREE 60MIN FACIAL SESSION * OR 30MIN MASSAGE UPGRADE WITH $ 125 GIFT CARD PURCHASES M–F 9a–9p | S 10a–8p | Su 10a–6p Fayetteville 2043 Skibo Road, Suite 101 Fayetteville, NC 28314 910-864-1500 8a - 10p 8a - 8p 10a - 6p

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