Ep. 3 - The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Episode Description
Two thousand years ago, three events took place in the span of three days that have shaped every century since — the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But what makes these more than historical curiosities? Why does the Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15, define the gospel by these three specific facts and nothing else?
In this episode, Pastor Josh walks through the gospel as Paul presents it — Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day, according to the scriptures. Each piece carries weight that cannot be removed without losing the whole. The death is substitutionary. The burial is proof. The resurrection is victory. And the question that follows is not whether the gospel is true, but whether you have believed it.
Key Scriptures
1 Corinthians 15:1–4 — The Gospel Defined
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
Romans 5:8 — Christ Died for Sinners
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 6:23 — The Wages of Sin
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Isaiah 53:9 — His Burial Foretold
And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
1 Corinthians 15:54–57 — Death Swallowed Up in Victory
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 4:25 — Raised for Our Justification
Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
1 Thessalonians 1:9–10 — Turning to the Living God
For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
Romans 1:16–18 — Not Ashamed of the Gospel
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.
Episode Outline
The Pivotal Message — Why the death, burial, and resurrection still matter today
Paul’s Definition of the Gospel — Not what we do, but what Christ has done (1 Corinthians 15:1–4)
Christ Died for Our Sins — Substitutionary atonement and the offense of the cross
He Was Buried — Why the burial is evidence, not detail
He Rose Again the Third Day — The resurrection as victory and acceptance of payment
A Living Savior, Not a Dead Teacher — Daily hope and present power
The Most Important Question — Have you received the gospel?
Questions Discussed
Could events that took place nearly 2,000 years ago still be the most important news for the world today?
What exactly is the gospel of Christ — and why does it center on His death, burial, and resurrection?
Do you know that you are a sinner — and that this is the very thing that separates you from God?
If Christ did not rise from the dead, where does that leave you and your sins?
Why does the burial matter — isn’t it just a detail between the cross and the empty tomb?
Do you serve a dead teacher or a living Savior?
Have you received the gospel? Have you believed the gospel?
