1Co 15:3-8 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how 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 of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
The gospel is the “good news” about the Messiah and what He has done for us. Paul gives us a listing of the very basics of the gospel message:
- The gospel is a message originating with God and handed down to mankind.
- It includes a three-fold fulfillment of OT prophecies and teachings: Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
- The gospel message also includes the unquestionable proof of its reliability found in its many, varied eye-witnesses.
Paul says this message was “delivered” to the Corinthian church members. The Greek term translated “delivered” is an interesting word. It combines at least two ideas. It involves “handing over” and “entrusting for safekeeping”. In other words... it was “handed” it to them for their personal salvation, as well as “entrusted” to them to minister to others.
As we relate the gospel message to others, let’s be sure we relate it a clear, concise and caring way. Not only are we affecting the lives of those to whom we are speaking; but, following their salvation, we are also affecting the lives of all with whom they may share the message.
May the Lord bless each one of us as we “Think On These Things”.
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Thank you, Rob, for helping us think not only of the one we are sharing the gospel with, but those that they will in turn share it with. Praying for His help and leading always! God bless you and your special ministry!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words Debbie... Lord bless you as well.
ReplyDeleteMay we all be faithful in "delivering" the Gospel as we are lead.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing it was the first time I knew I was a "spiritual grandmother"! Someone I had lead to the Lord was so very excited about leading her friend to the Lord. We'll never know, here on earth, how many will be in heaven as a result of (but NOT BECAUSE OF) our "delivery"
What an amazing God to allow us such a great privilege!
AMEN to all you have said... the Lord is so good to us! Lord bless you, Angela.
ReplyDeleteWonderfully fresh perspective you have given me, Pastor Rob, on the two-fold meaning of having the Gospel "delivered" to me: safekeeping (treasuring and celebrating in my heart) and passing on to others (with love and patience the race is won!).
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful blessing it is to have the gospel ddelivered to us and then we accept the responsibility to be a blessing to others by sharing it! Lord bless you, dear friend
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