"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." - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

When the apostle Paul described what was of first importance to the church at Corinth, he specifically focused on Christ. The content, substance, and aim of Paul's preaching was Christ. In particular, he says that his message was his death, burial and resurrection. This threefold focus highlighted the crucial work of Christ in his passive obedience that secured the salvation of all who trust in him by faith. Scholar J. Gresham Machen wrote, "Christ died"--that is history; "Christ died for our sins"--that is doctrine. Without these two elements, joined in an absolutely indissoluble union, there is no Christianity.” So what we're learning from this passage is really the heart of the Christian faith: Christ's death, burial and resurrection for us.

What is of first importance in your life? What has the most worth or consequence to you? What do you hold in the highest regard? Is it your marriage, family, job, school, politics or someone or something else? Make no mistake about it. Someone or something holds the top spot in your life. If it is not Christ - who he is and what he's done - then it is someone or something else. If you're not sure how to figure out the answer to this question, what does your bank account say? What does your calendar say? What does your social media say? What would your friends say? If Christ is not of first importance in your life, reconsider what your life is actually saying. Make Christ of first importance. You'll never regret it. Not now. Not ever.

For Jesus,

Pastor Mark