https://odb.org/2025/11/06/of-first-importance
1 Corinthians 15:3–8 (NIV): 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
Today we’re in danger of unintentionally missing a crucial point, one that concerns the body of Christ (the church). There are those who would distort its purpose. Maybe we see the church as a political action committee or as a place to be served. Perhaps we see it as a mere religious institution. The church’s priority, however, has always been the good news of Jesus.
Paul told the believers at Corinth, “What I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). While other things may have an appropriate time and place, the gospel is of first importance. (Bill Crowder, ODB 6th November 2025)
I look at the church as a place of fellowship. To congregate amongst believers to worship God but also to support one another’s faith with encouragement and spiritual knowledge so that we may all grow in our faith and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The church is a place for service, a place where we may serve God in ministry whether in hospitality, worship, ushering, follow up or evangelism. Perhaps the church runs free tuition classes as an outreach to non-believers as a service to the community.
In all the things that the church does however, the first and most important must be the good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ. The message of the cross, His death and resurrection must be preached and told to the world. It was crucial during the birth of the church 2,000 years ago and it is still as crucial today. This is because without the death and resurrection of Christ, the world is doomed. It will be a world with its own morality and because of the original sin, mankind will perish along with the ruler of the world at the end of time. Without Christ, humans will be sent to a place of gnashing of teeth for all eternity. But with Christ, we have the opportunity to live in Eden Recreated, in the new heaven and new earth, the new Jerusalem where God dwells amongst His people, for all eternity while clothe in our glorified bodies like Christ was when He was resurrected. That is why in essence Paul’s message was simple – it is Christ death and resurrection.
As believers, our response is equally simple. Attend church, be an encouragement to our fellow believers. Serve God in a ministry God has called us to based on our God-given talents. Support the church in its efforts on evangelism, in preaching Christ’s death and resurrection. We ourselves preach the same, presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice and living a life that brings glory to Christ. He is worthy and worthy to be praised because He died for our sins.
Ronnie's Thoughts 