Sermon Series Blog: NEW THING COMING – Pt. 1

Message Title: “The Foundation, The Facts, The Fulfillment”

Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 15:3-11

INTRODUCTION: Misconceptions About Christians & The Church

In North America, a lot of people think Christians—and the Church—are just a bunch of judgmental, self-righteous hypocrites. Let’s be honest: some of that comes from real experiences. There are people who show up every Sunday, check off their Christian to-do list, and can recite Genesis in Hebrew… but they don’t actually treasure God above all else.

They’re seasoned in tradition but not surrendered in spirit.

Many people believe the Church is just a place where you're judged for your mistakes—like you're walking into a courtroom instead of a place of grace. But that’s not what the Gospel is about. It’s a massive misconception.

I had a conversation this week with someone wrestling with this. They said, “Isn’t Christianity just about telling me I’m a sinner?” I said—it’s not about condemnation, it’s about transformation.

People are out here chasing satisfaction—through status, drugs, relationships, or money—but it all comes up empty. There’s a hunger for fulfillment, but the world only offers fast food when your soul needs a feast.

Let’s open to 1 John 2:15-17:

“Do not love the world or anything in the world… The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

ILLUSTRATION: The Fast Food Life vs. the Feast of Faith

Think of sin like trying to build an 8-pack while living off Mountain Dew and Cheetos. It’s not a punishment when God calls us away from sin—it’s protection. God isn’t robbing us of fun; He’s replacing the junk with something life-giving.

You’re trading in fast food for a T-bone steak with a side of grace and twice-baked transformation. (Still not sure about the Brussels sprouts, though!)

That’s what the Cross is about. Jesus died for our sins. He paid our debt. He conquered the grave. He gave us a choice—redemption or rejection.

Point 1: THE FOUNDATION

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

“Christ died for our sins… he was buried… he was raised on the third day.”

This is the core of the Gospel. It’s the foundation. If you forget the foundation, everything else collapses.

🧱 Just like every great company has a mission statement, Christianity’s mission is simple:
The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
It’s not a department—it’s the whole business.

Point 2: VERIFIED

1 Corinthians 15:5-8

Paul lists the eyewitnesses of the resurrection—Peter, the Twelve, 500+ people, James, and then himself.

Christianity isn’t based on good vibes or blind faith—it’s based on verified facts.
Paul basically says, “We’ve got the receipts.”

🎮 Quick story: My buddy Dr. Madas—he’s part of our Twitch.tv gaming crew—made a bunch of push-up bets. He lost. Never did them. I sent the receipts. Then I was late one day… and he pulled out my receipts!
Receipts matter. Evidence matters.

So when skeptics came at Paul saying “Jesus didn’t rise from the dead,” Paul said—“Check the receipts. Talk to the 500. Talk to the Twelve. Talk to me.”

And just like Jesus appeared to the doubters, deniers, and destroyers back then… He’s still showing up today through His Spirit, His Word, and His people.

🙌 No one is too far gone to meet Jesus. He came for the doubters (James), the deniers (Peter), and even the destroyers (Paul).

Point 3: FULFILLED

1 Corinthians 15:9-10

“By the grace of God I am what I am…”

Paul was the last person you’d expect God to use—he persecuted Christians! But that’s the power of grace.

You can’t earn it. You don’t need to be the top student, the first-round draft pick, or the most spiritual person in the room. Grace is unearned.

🐶 Let me tell you about my dog Kobe—he’s a little goofy. Every gust of wind sends him into “defense mode.” One moment he’s protecting the house, the next he’s passed out. He’s loyal, a little nuts, and he’s mine.

But I also know a friend who rescues dogs. When they first arrive, they’re scared, dirty, and untrusting. But over time, with love and patience, they become joyful and full of life.

That’s us, Church. God sees our mess and still says, “You’re mine.”

Through grace, we are rescued, redeemed, and repurposed.

CONCLUSION: ONE MESSAGE, ONE MISSION

1 Corinthians 15:11

“This is what we preach, and this is what you believed.”

This Gospel message? It never changes. It doesn’t matter who’s preaching—Peter, Paul, or me—it’s always about Jesus.

The Gospel:

• Isn’t just good advice — it’s good news.

• Isn’t just inspirational — it’s transformational.

• Isn’t just a belief — it’s a foundation.

If you’ve never believed this Gospel — today’s the day.
If you have — keep it at the center.
Because everything else flows from it.

💥 The Cross transforms who we are, how we live, and where we’re going.

Jesus said it best in John 14:6:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

So Church…what will you do with Jesus?

FINAL CALL:

Let this be your moment. Not to play church. Not to check boxes.
But to treasure Jesus…
To walk in His grace…
To carry the Gospel as your foundation, your testimony, and your transformation.

🔥 There’s a new thing coming. And it starts with Christ, in you.