The Good News!
The resurrection of Jesus Christ makes all of life worth living, and that is “GOOD NEWS!”
Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ makes all of life worth living, and that is “GOOD NEWS!”
The Church at Corinth was struggling with their belief and understanding. They were allowing the opinions of others to influence their faith. Opinionated skeptics live to create doubt and confusion. We see this daily via social media and the never-ending dirge of news.
How do Believers protect what they believe? How does one fight through the maze of media to discover and unearth the truth of the Good News?
Paul writes to this type of audience, those who are affirmed and those who are seeking.
Clarity is of Necessity (Vs. 1)
Paul wants all Believers and seekers to be clear on whom they believe (Jesus Christ), and on what they believe (The Good News) about Jesus Christ.
Receive the Good News (…which you received… vs.1B)
Stand upon the Good News (…on which you have taken your stand…vs. 1C)
Grow in the Good News (…and by which you are being saved…vs. 2A)
Consistency Affirms Accuracy (Vs. 3-4)
Paul writes the consistent Gospel account, as recorded in scripture to affirm the truth about Jesus’ journey to Calvary’s cross.
Here is the Good News:
Jesus Christ died: His death paid the price for the penalty of our sins.
Jesus Christ was raised: His resurrection affirms His sufficiency, which affirms that He lived after He died.
Jesus Christ appeared: His appearance to those who witnessed his death is victorious.
It’s Ours to Receive
As we read about all that Jesus did for us on Calvary’s cross, we can receive His gift. He offers life eternal to all who believe and receive His gift. For those who have already believed, we can be affirmed in our Faith. We can be renewed in our love for Him, and in His love for us.
Pray this week:
Father, thank You for sending your Son for us. We are grateful for His sacrifice for our sins, and we humbly receive His gift of eternal life, by grace through faith. We renew our call to live for You, and we commit to tell others the Good News. In Christ Name, Amen.
Are the opinions of others in your life raising doubts for you like the Corinthians? You can connect with a caring volunteer below who will be able to help!