Scripture: Now I am reminding you, brothers, of the gospel I (Paul) preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:1-2

Prayer: Here I sit reflecting upon the meaning of unless you believed in vain. Bring light to these words.

Response: This is not a question for a scholar or a translator as much as it is for you to consider times that though you have received the word acted contrary to its message and inspiration. No exam is being administered, nor are you to memorize answers to repeat if challenged.

No these verses are simply a reminder, conveyed through time to you from Paul who had just received the teaching of Jesus. He urges you to embrace the truth vigorously. It is your life-line to eternity. Think of crossing a narrow footbridge over a deep chasm in the mountains and discovering there are no sides or rope to hold on to the swaying platform of planks. Christ's teaching is the guide rope with which to hold fast, providing the balance, stability to make your way, however, hesitantly forward – not looking down or backwards.

What would it take for you in life's journey simply to accept fully and peacefully His teaching – not as read in a footnote or learned volume, but as read, accepted, and printed on your heart?