Preparing for corporate worship January 1

When we gather for corporate worship on the first day of the year 2012, may we hold as a priority in our hearts and minds what the apostle Paul says is “of first importance.” At the start of I Corinthians 15, Paul points to the gospel that he had received and preached to the church at Corinth. He then summarizes in verses 2 and 3 the heart of the gospel: “[T]hat Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” The gospel is about the person and work of Jesus. It is “of first importance.” Without the gospel, there is no true worship of God; there is no relationship with God; there is no access to God; there is no answered prayer; there is no forgiveness of sin; there is no righteousness credited to our account; there is no church. May we gather this Sunday reminding one another of the indispensability of the gospel, rejoicing in its effects and exalting its hero: Jesus our Savior, Mediator, Redeemer, Lord and Life.