First Things First, and Always

"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas ( Peter ), then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles." ( 1 Corinthians 15:3-7 )

This weekend I posted an unpacking of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on my blog site, although can anyone of us truly unpack the Gospel sufficiently or completely of its worth? 

Today as we head to Sunday worship service, I think it's important to remember that as our pastors and elders teach us the Scriptures, we don't leave the Gospel behind like it's a done deal, once for all time knowledge. Paul said that it was of first importance. I've even heard the Gospel described as the Scriptures. It may be a bit confusing, but here's why I believe: 

We always bring the knowledge of the Gospel with us. never leaving it behind as we journey to a deeper understanding of the full counsel of God's Word. For instance everyday, I see new ( and old )  sins I need to repent of. Each morning and throughout our day, we meditate on the love and mediation Christ has for us in our salvation; the grace and mercy of God in Christ overwhelms our hearts in new ways as we understand and experience them at greater levels. 

Maybe, we could understand the Gospel as an everlasting, gracious life preserver that fits tightly around us as we explore the deep doctrines of our faith. 

We have learned those elementary truths, and we are saved but once. However, as we grow, or learn to swim, so to speak, we keep the life vest firmly in place, never forgetting its worth. 

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the foundation we build on, but it is also the substance that permeates every other precious truth we learn about God and us as we increase in the knowledge of his will. We are working our way through the Book of Exodus on Sunday mornings and each week I am astounded at the Gospel of Christ that weaves through everything God commanded and instructed his people to do after delivering them from slavery. 

"Every verse whispers his name." 

I think as we study all of Scripture, it helps bring the Gospel into sharper focus, also as we begin to live these truths out in our lives, in time, they help us explain the Gospel to others in a more complete and sufficient way. 

A mixed bag of metaphors this morning, I know, but hopefully, like a tug boat, bringing some clarity and truth in tow.

Happy Sunday! 

💜