GOOD NEWS NOT GOOD ADVICE!
Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Jesus 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, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. (1Co 15:1-6)
The value of good advice!
But...
When considering the Christian faith - often considered good advice!
Gratefully received - or not!
Rarely followed!
The message about Jesus is NOT “good advice”.
IT IS GOOD NEWS!
An announcement of something that has happened
Consider the difference between "good advice" and “good news”
One requires action
The other invites response
Good news tells you that something has changed.
“Gospel” means “Good NEWS!”
Good news which has profound implications.
"that Jesus 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, and that he appeared to Cephas "
1. The news is about Jesus Christ – who He is and what he did.
Died...
“but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1Co 1:23-24)
Was buried...
Was raised again on the 3rd day....
Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death. You were dead, because you were sinful and were not God's people. But God let Christ make you alive, when he forgave all our sins. (Col 2:12-13)
2. The news about what Jesus did was predicted and is verifiable
“according to the Scriptures”.
“then to the 12 and after this to more than 500, some of whom are still alive”
The more momentous, surprising and incredible the news – the harder it is to believe.
3 The news has an impact on us
Jesus Christ died for our sins
this Good news is what I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved
CONCLUSION
The message of the Christian faith is GOOD NEWS about Jesus
Who he is and what he has done!
How will you respond to this news?
