Last night I watched a sermon by Mark Driscoll in the Vintage Jesus series at Mars Hill Church Seattle. The title was Did Jesus really rise from the dead?. It was good to watch him preach and see some of the how of his preaching. But the content was gold! Today I’ve been reflecting on how the resurrection of Jesus is of first importance.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 1 Cor 15:3-8
>>Jesus died for our sins
>>He was buried
>>He was raised
>>He appeared
We too often leave the resurrection of Jesus out of our gospel – what a stupid thing to do! Liberals will try to re-interpret the resurrection of Jesus into a spiritual resurrection… but Jesus rose – physically… and we who have our trust in him have a physical resurrection to look forward to because Jesus first rose.
Driscoll said that it ought not just be Easter Sunday that we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus – but every Sunday! They also take communion each week at church as they are reminded of Jesus’ death on their behalf.
Our practise at church is to have communion every 6 weeks. It’s more likely to be once every 10 weeks though! I think we ought to do it more often. Is it weird to the outsider??? I don’t think so… it’s a marvellous opportunity to preach the gospel each week!
What do you think? How often does your church do it? How often do you think you ought to do it?
