SATURDAY, APRIL 18
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 15:1-9
KEY VERSE: “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures…” – (1 Corinthians 15:3,4)
MESSAGE
A man had a bar where he sold alcoholic beverages. He was a very cruel and violent man whose presence conjured terror for his wife and ten-year-old daughter. A visible mark on the left arm of the young lady was a constant reminder of her father’s brutality. But one day, something ‘strange’ happened. A preacher came to Mr. Graham to explain the mercies and love of God through Jesus Christ.
The man listened with rapt attention and demanded to know if such mercies could be extended to a man like him. On receiving an assurance from the preacher, he surrendered his life to Christ and became a changed person. For the first time, his daughter saw him smile and happy. Later, he asked for the wife’s and the daughter’s forgiveness, and took them to the church where they also gave their lives to Christ. Peace, love and joy came to the family. That is the power of the gospel.
In the passage, Paul the apostle reminded the Corinthian Christians of the authenticity of the gospel message – the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Christ – which he received that transformed his life and which he passed on to them as well.
The gospel message has such a transforming power that no matter how deep one might have gone in cultism, idol worship, atheism, drug addiction, immorality, etc., if he sincerely repents and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, salvation comes. The mercy of God is still available today. “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).
Click here to read Open Heaven for today
As Paul received the true gospel and passed it on to others, so must every true believer do. The Lord’s command is “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). It is a task that must be done.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The gospel message changes sinners to saints.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 24-25
