First Corinthians chapter 15 is regarded by some as one of the most important chapters in the Bible!
In this study, Pastor Barry starts to unpack this chapter asking ‘why do we believe’? ‘What is the basis for our hope and faith’?
The Apostle Paul begins by reminding the Corinthian believers that he had come to them and declared the gospel, the good news about salvation through Jesus Christ, the good news that was foretold in the scriptures.
Sadly, today many see little value in the Old Testament, viewing it a just a collection of ancient stories. Paul contends otherwise! The gospel – good news – is all hidden in the Old Testament. The early church taught the gospel from the Old Testament scriptures alone. In Acts chapter 7, Stephen gave the Sanhedrin a Bible study about Jesus exclusively from their own Jewish scriptures!
After the resurrection Jesus joined two disciples as they travelled from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They did not recognise Jesus at first, and seeing their sadness Jesus said to them “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:25-27).
The whole gospel story is given to us in the pages of the Old Testament, starting in Genesis with the promise of the Seed of the woman who would one-day conquer man’s great adversary the Devil, though every chapter and every page, to the Messiah who will return to rule and reign on the Thone of David.
The New Testament does not add to the Old Testament, it clarifies, explains and unveils what God had already concealed.
May you be blessed and encouraged by this study.
p.s. The closing part of this study contains a warning for any who would consider questioning the accuracy and integrity of the Word of God. A lack of understanding on our part does not give sufficient cause to claim that God’s word is in error!
“The words of the Lord are pure words:
as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Thou shalt keep them, O Lord,
thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” – Psalm 12:6-7
