No. 344 - The Foundation of Our Faith

The Gospel of Christ

The Foundation of Our Faith 

1 Corinthians 15:1-6

"Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep". 

Starting Prayer 

Dear Lord, as I meditate on the foundation of my faith today, please open my heart and mind to understand and embrace the truth of the gospel. May this truth strengthen my faith and guide my steps. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Background 

1 Corinthians 15 is a powerful chapter where Paul defends the truth of the resurrection of Christ, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. The chapter begins with a reminder of the gospel that Paul preached to the Corinthians—the good news of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Paul emphasises that the resurrection is central to our faith because it proves that Jesus is the Son of God and that believers, too, will be raised from the dead. The selected verses, 1 Corinthians 15:1-6, outline the core elements of the gospel message and the eyewitness testimony that affirms its truth.

Be Encouraged  

The foundation of our faith is the gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul reminds the Corinthians, and us today, that this gospel is not just a story but a truth that we must stand on firmly. It is the message that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day, just as the Scriptures foretold. This truth is the bedrock of our salvation and the reason for our hope as Christians. Without the resurrection, our faith would be in vain. But because Jesus rose from the dead, we have the assurance that our sins are forgiven and that we, too, will be raised to eternal life.

The resurrection is not just a historical event but a living reality that impacts our daily lives. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us, giving us the strength to live victoriously over sin and to share this life-changing message with others. The eyewitnesses of Jesus' resurrection, including Peter, the twelve apostles, and over five hundred others, provide a solid testimony to this truth. Their witness confirms that our faith is grounded in real events, not myths. As we hold fast to this gospel, we are reminded that our faith is not in vain, but it is a faith that transforms lives and secures our future in Christ.

Application  

As believers, we must hold firmly to the truth of the gospel because it is the foundation of our faith. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are not just historical facts but the very essence of our salvation. Reflect on the power of the resurrection in your life today, knowing that because Christ lives, you have the victory over sin and death. "And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!" (1 Corinthians 15:17). But because He is risen, we have hope, purpose, and a future with God.

Invitation 

If you have not yet committed your life to Christ, I invite you to consider the solid foundation that the gospel offers. Visit any nearby Church of Christ, where you can learn more about how to obey the gospel. Through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance from sin (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of all past sins and your salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38), you can be saved and added to the Lord’s church. There, you will continue to grow in your knowledge of God and live according to Christ’s commandments (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:47). Accept God’s invitation today and stand firm on the foundation of faith that leads to eternal life. Share this message with others so that they, too, may come to know the hope that we have in Christ.

Concluding Prayer  

Father, thank You for the gospel, the foundation of my faith. Help me to stand firm on this truth every day and to live in the power of the resurrection. May my life reflect the hope and victory I have in Christ. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day.

 

Theodore J. Quist 

Evangelist 

Church of Christ 

Abokobi - Accra 

Ghana

 

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