CityView Magazine

14 | May/June 2017 our molecules reassembling from the dust, or from various other places they may wind up aer our death, as scientifically absurd. Others see little value in the physical body, believing that the real essence of man is immaterial. Yet the Bible consistently teaches that God made humans body and soul. Our bodies are redeemed by the blood of Jesus, just as our souls are; therefore, we are to glorify God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20). So, Paul is concerned to set the record straight on the resurrection, so that Christians will continue to live with hope in a glorious future. at is why he speculated on the consequences for the Christian if there is no resurrection. His conclusion that "we are of all people most to be pitied" implies that Christians have invested their lives differently based on a historical event (Christ's resurrection) and a future hope (our resurrection). Because we believe in the resurrection we have invested our time seeking first the Kingdom of God, not our own kingdom and glory. Because we believe in the resurrection we have invested our money and other resources to serve God and to serve others in His name. We have not hoarded our wealth for our own indulgence. Because we believe in the resurrection we have confessed that Jesus is Lord to a world that has declared independence from God, sometimes suffering for that proclamation. Consider Paul's Christian life: imprisonments, countless beatings, oen near death. "Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. ree times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. ree times I was shipwrecked; for a night and a day I was adri at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, oen without food, in cold and exposure" (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). And the list goes on. ose who know Paul's story know that he gave up a prestigious standing in his society to become a follower of Jesus Christ (see Philippians 3:4-11). One of the truths that animated Paul's faith through all these hardships and kept him pressing on was the truth of the resurrection. So, we can certainly understand why he would say that he would be a pitiable soul if there was no resurrection life in which to enjoy rest from these labors and vindication in his body, so sorely abused in this life. What about you? Would you be deemed pitiful if Christ had not been raised? Would your life be any different without the hope of the resurrection? e danger for Christians in any age is that our lives would be taken captive "by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ" (Colossians 2:8). Are you controlled by consumerist desires that motivate you to build bigger barns for yourself (see Luke 12:16-21)? Or are you controlled by desires to know Christ and the power of His resurrection that motivate you to serve others as Christ did? How are you investing your life, your time, talents and resources? If you are a Christian, consider again these words of our Apostle, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself " (Philippians 3:20-21). e real pity is for those who live for anything else. CV Dr. Joshua Owen is Pastor at Cross Creek Presbyterian Church. SPECIALIZING IN PRIVATE CLASSES. OFFERING YOGA, PILATES (BOTH MAT AND MACHINE), PIYO, REIKI, YOGA THERAPY, AYURVEDIC CONSULTATIONS, AND THAI MASSAGES. Living Balance Studios www.LivingBalanceStudiosNC.com Fayetteville, NC The "Spa" Workout Experience SPECIALIZING IN PRIVATE CLASSES. OFFERING YOGA, PILATES (BOTH MAT AND MACHINE), PIYO, REIKI, YOGA THERAPY, AYURVEDIC CONSULTATIONS, AND THAI MASSAGES. Living Balance Studios www.LivingBalanceStudiosNC.com Fayetteville, NC The "Spa" Workout Experience NC SPECIALIZING IN PRIVATE CLASSES. OFFERING YOGA, PILATES (BOTH MAT AND MACHINE), PIYO, REIKI, YOGA THERAPY, AYURVEDIC CONSULTATIONS, AND THAI MASSAGES. Get your Beach Body ready for Summer with SculpSure! DEEP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE Lose Inches Effortlessly Call today to schedule your consultation 910.485.4171 SANDHYA THOMAS-MONTILUS, M.D. 3115 Boone Trail in Fayetteville www.YouthBeautyHealth.com

• Cover