A Letter Of Concern- Of First Importance Series

Series: Action [#95]

A LETTER OF CONCERN-

OF FIRST IMPORTANCE

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Introduction:

This is the 95th Sermon in this Series and today’s sermon could not have been more applicable than this Easter Sermon. On a day of Easter Bunnies and Easter Egg Hunts, we need to remember what is of 1st importance.

1 Corinthians 15:1-2

On this Easter Sunday…

1. Take a stand.

Christians, we must stand on the truth of the Gospel- It is through Jesus Christ that we are saved. You must hold firmly to God’s Word. That means that even when you are losing your grip on life, you keep holding on to the truths of God’s Word. There is no other way to be saved except through Jesus. If you don’t believe that, then you have wasted your time.

1 Corinthians 15:3-8

On this Easter Sunday…

2. Know what is of first importance.

I know that your family and friends are important to you; but that cannot be what is the most important to you. What is most important is exactly what today is about- The resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus left Heaven and became a man so that He could pay the price of sin for all of mankind. He began His earthly ministry at the age of 30, and He led the Apostles as well as many other disciples for 3 years. Jesus never sinned this entire time- He was perfect.

Jesus entered the City of Jerusalem as a King, (Palm Sunday); and by Friday, He was nailed to a cross. While Jesus was on the cross suffering, He became the sins of all people- That is why God the Father could not look upon Him. Jesus went from being perfect to becoming the most sinful person of all times. Jesus died on that cross and was taken to a borrowed tomb, where His body was prepared for burial.

During those 3 days, Jesus went to Hell. He preached to the fallen angels that were locked up; and He declared His victory over them and Satan. On the 3rd day, Jesus physically arose from the grave. The tomb was empty. Only the linen that His body was wrapped in was there.

If you want proof, Paul tells us that over 500 Christians were witness to His resurrection. At the time of this letter, most of those people were still alive. If you want proof today, it is about faith. Even though your senses cannot prove that this happened, you still believe. After 40 days, Jesus ascended into Heaven, where He sits at the right hand of God.

1 Corinthians 15:9-11

On this Easter Sunday…

3. It is about God’s grace.

Paul immediately tells us that he did not deserve to be called an Apostle because he persecuted the Church. I am here today to tell you that I do not deserve to be called a Pastor because I have failed God over and over again. I am also here today to tell you that none of you deserve to carry His name as Christians. None of us are worthy. The reason that we can say that we are Christians is because of grace.

We are saved because of God’s mercy and grace. Mercy is not getting the punishment that you deserve. Grace is receiving something that you do not deserve. We deserve eternal punishment in Hell; but instead, we receive the opportunity for eternal life through the price that Jesus paid. Whatever spiritual gifts you have been given as a Christian, use them to the glory of God. Regardless of the title that comes with those gifts whether it be Preacher, or Deacon, or Teacher, or Hospitality, etc…; use them for God’s glory.

Conclusion:

Today represents the most important thing for people all over the world- The Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Christian life begins with believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth that Jesus is the Son of God, risen from the dead. This gift is offered to anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord.