Of First Importance

gos·pel: the message concerning Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation
co·a·li·tion: a temporary alliance of distinct parties, persons, or states for joint action

Both of these words were copied and pasted from one of my favorite websites: Merriam-Webster dot com. I'll explain why I have chosen to write about these two words, but first, I need to expound on the definition of the gospel. Yes, it is a message concerning Christ, the kingdom of God and salvation, but it doesn't say what that message is. Simply put: Jesus Christ lived a perfect life in our place, died a painful and shameful death in our place, and rose triumphantly from the grave for those who would repent and believe in order to be reconciled to God.

See how Paul put it in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: "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." ~emphasis mine

And this message of good news is not exclusive to non-believers. In Romans 1, Paul longed to go to Rome and visit the believers there so he could "...preach the gospel." He was not ashamed of the Gospel because he knew it was the power of God unto salvation. This power of God is not a one-time experience. As long as I am clothed with my sinful flesh, I am in desperate need of God's power. And where does that power come from? The Gospel.

Of all the things the Apostle Paul wrote about to the early churches, the Gospel was of first importance. Don't look past these two words too quickly. That was his delight and number one message. And it's a message we need to hear and meditate on today. It wasn't the order of services or what kind of lectern was to be used. It wasn't about having drums, no drums, piano only, dresses only, KJV only, or if the vocalists could hold their mics. The most important message that was preached then, is the same important message that needs to be preached now.

Now, the second word I listed is coalition-the coming together for one unified interest. That's what the Gospel Coalition is all about. Having one heart, one focus, one common interest. This conference is in session this week in Chicago and I'm so glad the elders from my church are there with other men who want to carry on this vision: To make the Cross of Jesus Christ central in all faith and practices.

Knowing this is the heart of my church's leadership, brings a smile to my face and anticipation in my heart. What does God have in store for His people? The world needs to hear the message of hope and it's not going to come from the men behind the pulpits only. To advance the Gospel means believers need to live in its truths every moment of every day so it becomes a natural outpouring of our lives. If you were saved from a burning building, I'm sure the story would be on the tip of your tongue, waiting eagerly to be shared as you retell the excitement of your fear and your heroic rescue. If you are a believer, you know how great a salvation you have. If it's fuzzy, please stop reading the Internet and get into your Bible. And believe me, I'm preaching to myself here as well.

Glory in the Cross of your salvation and might I exhort you to join with me in examining why we do what we do. Does your faith stem from the gracious work of Jesus, or on your own works? Are you practicing to live in the Gospel? What is the center of your life? Sad to say, it's not always in my Redeemer.

Lord, please continue to do a work in me that makes me hunger and thirst after righteousness and the God of my salvation.

~Last plug for the Gospel Coalition. I thought the video that introduced the heart behind the conference was very good. Here are men from different congregations, denominations and backgrounds setting secondary issues aside to focus on what is "...of first importance...": the Gospel.