Sermon Tone Analysis

*The Gospel – It’s Sure Foundation*

*1Corinthians 15:1-11             July 6, 2003*

* *

*Scripture Reading:*

 

*Introduction:*

 

Video, WorshipFilms.com,

Sermon Illustrations, Vol.1, No.1: /Sure Foundations/

 

Paul, in his effort to bring unity to the Corinthian church began with the truth of the cross that first brought them together.

In 1:17 he said that Christ sent him to preach the gospel and that his ability to do that was not human but divine so that the cross would not be emptied of its power.

He went on to say in 2:2 that his focus among them was to know nothing except Christ crucified and in 2:5 so that their faith might not rest on men’s wisdom but on God’s power.

Then in between the first few chapters focusing on the cross and where we are now in chapter 15, Paul addresses a number of other issues that have been dividing the church such as issues of sexual sin, Christian freedom, worship, and spiritual gifts.

Interestingly enough, he now completes the message of the cross by a reminder of the entire gospel that is not only the death of Christ but also the resurrection of Christ.

And just like there must be a sure foundation upon which to establish a nation, there must be a sure foundation for the church.

For both actually, it is the gospel of Christ.

For the nation it must be the principles of the gospel, but for the church it must be the power and truth of the gospel itself.

Without the gospel foundation the church is not the church, and indeed without its principles consistently applied, no nation can long endure.

I will bring three messages on the gospel in 1Corinthians 15, God willing, beginning with this one today on It’s Sure Foundation (vv.

1-11), then It’s Argument (vv.

12-34), and finally It’s Hope (vv.

35-58).

*Big Question:*

 

/How does the sure foundation of the gospel bring us unity?/

It is the one thing upon which we can stand.

It is the one thing by which we are saved.

It is the one thing by which we are tested.

It is the one thing of first importance.

It is the one thing that fulfills Scripture.

It is the one thing that brings us hope.

It is the one thing about hope that can be proven.

It is the one thing about hope which we can absolutely testify.

It is the one thing by which we are changed.

So – the gospel is the one thing that brings us together and has the power to keep us together.

*I.

Cycle One*

 

*          A.