First and Foremost

There can only be one #1. My track and field coach in high-school gave us the harsh reality, “second place is the fist person to lose”. Yeah. Hard reality.

If you ever find yourself in a heated debate with a sistah, and she hits you with a “first of all” you know you already messed up.

If you are a life long baptist and you get a chance to speak on the microphone, what do we always say, “first and foremost giving honor to God”. The first thing we say or do is what is primary, and is usually of most importance. And when it comes to the church, the mission of the church, the theology of the church, the most important thing we have is the Gospel.

The Gospel is what saves us, it is what keeps us, it is what we stand on. (preach)

1. The Gospel is according to the Word (v.3-4)

Died for our sins, (run)

buried, raised on the third day, (run)

According to the Scriptures.

2. Gospel is shared by its Witnesses (v.5-7)

Good news should travel.

Peter

12 who left him

500

James, his brother

3. The Gospel Works (v.8)

last of all, least of all,

unworthy, (this is how we should view yourself alone)

(Preach it plain!)

But… by the grace of God…I am what I am