VII.
We could make a list of the “facts” Paul calls to the attention of the Christians in Corinth. Well, maybe that would be a good way for us to begin today. What does Paul’s list of “facts” look like? What does he include?

VIII.
1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (NRSVue)

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For since death came through a human, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human, for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. But each in its own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 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 this does not include the one who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to the one who put all things in subjection under him, so that God may be all in all.

IX.
So you might, by now, have a list of what are “facts” for Paul in front of you.

Do you have room for another column on the page?

In column 2 begin by listing what in Paul’s “facts” list you regard as “facts.”

Are there items in Paul’s list that you are more or less comfortable with but not sure you can call them “facts” for yourself? Maybe you can list those in a different color.

And what in Paul’s list goes beyond your understanding or experience? Show those on your list so they stand out from the first two parts of your list in column 2.

Spend time with your column 2 and give some thought to why you react differently to items in Paul’s list.

What are you noticing about your relationship to Jesus and your journey with him as his disciple?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}