But if it has been preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? (1 Corinthians 15:12)

The Spanish Inquisition had at least something right.

You probably weren’t expecting that this morning, were you?

But then, no one expects the Spanish Inquisition.

The historically heavy handed and rather sadistic inquisitors wanted to keep Church doctrine pure. There were a lot of people from other faiths converting to Christianity, and some of them were bringing false ideas and beliefs with them. 

The Church opposed those ideas…vigorously.

Paul is not, so far as I can tell, calling for headscrews or the rack, but he is calling out those who are walking away from the gospel. As Paul is going to explain in the next verses, the resurrection is essential to our faith. Peter preached it, Paul preached it–Jesus himself preached it. 

And some of the folks at Corinth were tossing it aside. 

It doesn’t matter why. It does matter that in denying this one idea they were undermining the foundation of the faith.

Paul was not having it.

Neither should you.

Beloved, put the thumbscrews away–what are you even doing with those?

But do keep your eyes open and your brain alert. Hold firm to the truth of Christ crucified

and 

risen. 

Indeed

Happy Wednesday, Beloved