What I received, I passed on to you as of first importance that Christ was raised on the third day.

First Corinthians chapter 15, verses 3 through 4.

Welcome to this daily encouragement from our daily bread.

Of first importance was written by Bill Crowder and read by West Ward. First Corinthians

chapter 15, verses 3 through 8. For what I received, I passed on to you as of first importance,

that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried,

that he was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to

Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than 500 of the brothers and

sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have

fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he

appeared to me also as to one abnormally born.

Of First Importance, written by Bill Crowder. Thomas DeMahy was one of the many aristocrats executed by rioting mobs during the French Revolution of the late 18th century. According to one legendary account, upon reading his death warrant,

De Mahi responded, I see that you have made three spelling mistakes. If true, De Mahi

pointedly disregarded a drastically more significant matter, his imminent death.

Today, we're in danger of unintentionally missing a crucial point, one that concerns the body of Christ, the church.

There are those who would distort its purpose.

Maybe we see the church as a political action committee or as a place to be served. Perhaps we see it as a

mere religious institution. The church's priority, however, has always been the good news of Jesus.

Paul told the believers at Corinth, what I received, I passed on to you as of first importance, that Christ died for

our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third

day according to the Scriptures. While other things may have an appropriate time and place,

the gospel is of first importance. How can we be agents of God's

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