What’s supposed to be the most important thing about a church?
Giving people a place to belong? Serving the most vulnerable? Is singing together or praying together or sharing a meal together the most important thing about a church? Is it engaging with kids and teenagers? Is it crowd size or offering totals or amenities for guests?
Those are all commendable things. But what’s supposed to be the most important thing?
The Bible has an answer to that question.
In a letter to a church in a first-century city of Corinth, a church starter named Paul wrote that this is “of first importance”: “that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (I Corinthians 15:3-4).
The news of Jesus, His death, burial, and resurrection – the Gospel – should be the most important thing about a church. It is “first,” meaning paramount. Highest priority.
Why? Because the Gospel is the only way we can know the God who created us. It’s the one way to be forgiven of sin and restored to God. The Gospel alone satisfies us completely. Only by believing this Good News can we have purpose and joy and hope. The Gospel is eternally significant.
And so, this is what we want at TCC: To keep Jesus and the Gospel “of first importance.” To broadcast this story and absolutely delight in it. In every worship gathering, in conversations, in living room Bible studies, in community events, in kids and student ministry. More important than anything else is making Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection clear and available to every person we meet.
Do you believe the Gospel? It’s the most important thing. Learn more at tccamarillo.com/thegospel.
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