playnext.fm

Grace City Church of the Northeast

This Is the Gospel : : 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

·45 min·4 clips
Why do only 45% of evangelicals strongly believe in Jesus's bodily resurrection, and what does that mean for the church today?
The episode is a sermon delivered at Grace City Church of the Northeast in Philadelphia, based on 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. The speaker opens by having the scripture read aloud, then expresses excitement to preach on this foundational text, noting it might seem 'boring' but is essential. He immediately introduces tension by referencing a Ligonier Ministries 'State of Theology' report from earlier in the year, which found only 45% of professing evangelicals strongly agree with Jesus's bodily resurrection. The speaker uses the story of NFL player Jim 'Wrong Way' Marshall, who ran 66 yards to the wrong end zone, as an analogy for doing good works but getting the gospel wrong. He states the big idea: the gospel is truth we must stand in, be shaped by, and pass on. The sermon unpacks the creed-like passage in verses 3-5, emphasizing that Christ's resurrection happened 'in accordance with the scriptures,' fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. The speaker argues the gospel is not about self-improvement ('living your best life') but about God dealing with sin through Christ. He uses Chick-fil-A's focus on chicken breast as a metaphor for the church specializing solely in the gospel. The second point explores how the resurrection appearances to Peter, James, and Paul demonstrate grace, restoring those who failed Jesus. The speaker shares a personal testimony about struggling with smoking and cursing as a new Christian, highlighting the need for community to see sanctification. He discusses Paul's self-description as 'one untimely born' and how grace empowered his ministry. The final point urges listeners to pass on the gospel, referencing the recent death of a young Philadelphia woman, Kata Scott, and how the gospel provides hope amid tragedy. The sermon closes with an analogy of the 'resurrection plant' that revives with water, symbolizing Christ's life-giving power, and a call for non-Christians to accept the gospel.

As heard by us

A resurrection-centered sermon that roots faith, work, and the church's witness in grace.

This sermon on 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 treats the gospel first as something God has done: Christ died for sins, was buried, was raised, and appeared to witnesses. That order gives the message its center.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want Paul's resurrection gospel stripped of self-help language and pressed into the urgency of today.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
Listen to the show on
Apple PodcastsSpotify
Play clips from this episodeMore from Grace City Church of the Northeast