By Jamie Tisler

What are the most important words I should speak to someone? The Apostle Paul knew by personal experience and he recorded the words in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” Why is this so important? It is the gospel in a nutshell, the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ.

“So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). I have been commissioned to be an ambassador of God which means sharing these words of first importance with the hope of reconciling men to Him through faith (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). It is freeing to know that when I speak these words to someone that I am not responsible for producing  faith, rather it is God who gives the grace gift of faith (Romans 12:3).

So now, when should I share these words of first importance? As I write this reflection it is the week in history of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection when many are preparing to celebrate Easter this coming Sunday. It is beneficial I share these words with those who have embraced Jesus as their Savior because we are so easily distracted by secular traditions like chocolate bunnies, baskets of dyed eggs, and the possibility of new clothes to wear to church on Sunday. But, it is even more pressing that I share these words with those who do not have faith in Jesus Christ. A simple string of questions I might ask an unbelieving person include, “Do you celebrate Easter?” “Why or why not?” “Can I share with you why I celebrate Easter?”

Dear Lord, Thank you for sending Christ to die a heinous death for my sins, for being buried for two days, and for being resurrected by You on the third day. Give me a holy boldness to share the words of first importance. In my Savior Christ Jesus’ name I pray; Amen.

Yes to God’s Word,

 Jamie