The gospel means good news. News is not fantasy, but the proclamation of events that happened. The central events of our faith as Christians are clearly spelled out by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1–8.

“I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

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, 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. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.”

Jesus died and was buried, but he was raised and appeared again and again and again. If this is not true, Paul concedes that our faith “is in vain” (1 Cor. 15:14).

So, why should I believe that Jesus’ resurrection really happened?

We will have Dr. Sean McDowell as our guest this Sunday to preach on this question. Sean is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, and in particular young people, to make the case for the Christian faith. He also serves as an Assistant Professor at Biola University. Kenny Clark will be leading us in sung worship.

Would you pray for each as we prepare? And please join us in praying for and inviting family, friends, and neighbors who are still asking this same question.

Our Christianity Explored class also begins this Sunday at 11am upstairs in room 204. Is there someone you might invite and attend the class with? We will spend 6-weeks in the Gospel of Mark asking the question, “Who is this Jesus?”

See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry.

 

Song of the Week

Christ is Risen by Matt Maher

Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave