The Core!

When we talk about the "core" of something, we are referring to its central or most important part. It is the center. It is what all else revolves around or is connected to. It is the aspect especial to its purpose.

What is at the core of the Gospel (Good News) message? Is it the birth of Jesus? That was "good news of great joy" ( Luke 2:10-11) and is significant as the fulfillment of how the Messiah was to come into the world. ( Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:11)

Is it the Lord's teachings He shared and the healings provided that are the core of the Gospel message? All of that was significant in revealing the truth of God ( John 18:37) and being a clear sign that Jesus was the One from above. ( John 10:38) It certainly was good to those who received its blessing.

Is it our Lord's ascension into Heaven. That also is significant as Jesus has gone on to prepare a place for us ( John 14:2-3) and will someday return in like manner ( Acts 1:11) with the redeemed being caught up together to be with Him forever. ( 1 Thessalonians 4:17) Oh, that will be very good!

All of those aspects of Jesus are significant and contribute to our faith and the boldness in which we might live. However, in association with His CENTRAL MISSION "to seek and to save the lost" ( Luke 19:10), the core of the Gospel is linked to that which happened during a three day period.

Paul noted it this way:
"(1) Now I would remind you, brothers, of THE GOSPEL I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, (2) and BY WHICH YOU ARE BEING SAVED, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you -- unless you believed in vain. (3) For I delivered to you AS OF FIRST IMPORTANCE what I also received: that CHRIST DIED for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, (4) that HE WAS BURIED, that HE WAS RAISED ON THE THIRD DAY in accordance with the Scriptures," ( 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 ESV)

Paul then went on to note the many eye witnesses to Jesus having been raised from the dead. It is our Lord's DEATH, BURIAL, and RESURRECTION that are at the core of the Gospel message. That is what Paul noted as being "OF FIRST IMPORTANCE." Our being cleansed of our sins and our soul's salvation rest on that having taken place, with His resurrection assuring us of our own. ( 1 Corinthians 15:20-23) That is why at the center of Paul's preaching was "Jesus Christ and him crucified." ( 1 Corinthians 2:2) May we recognize how good that news truly is!

Have a great day ETERNALLY THANKFUL FOR THE BLESSING OF THE CRUCIFIED AND RISEN CHRIST!
Carl

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