New Testament Survey - A Brief Overview of each New Testament Book
(Outlines used by Pastor Rusty in Wednesday night adult Bible study)
(Outlines used by Pastor Rusty in Wednesday night adult Bible study)
Matthew
Although he does not identify himself as the author, Matthew is recognized by the early church as the author of this gospel. Matthew was one of the original twelve disciples chosen by Jesus (Matt. 9:9; 10:3).
Before Jesus called him, Matthew served as a tax collector for Rome. The publicans as they were known, often collected excessive taxes from the people and took the extra for themselves. Needless to say, the profession was considered sinful by the Jews and those serving as such were despised.
Matthew was no doubt different by the time Jesus called him since his life was touched by the ministry of John the Baptist (Acts 1:21-22). Matthew was immediately ready to follow Jesus when he called him (Mk 2:14-17). In the gospel of Mark, he is referred to as Levi, but in both gospels he is called Matthew in their respective lists of the twelve (Matt. 10:3; Mk 3:18).
Matthew uses the term kingdom of heaven 32 times, thus the kingdom of heaven is his main theme. In conjunction with that theme he presents Jesus as King who is destined to reign over all the earth.
I. Major Elements of Matthew’s Gospel
- The Baptism of Jesus – 3:13-17
- The Temptation of Jesus – 4:1-11
- The Sermon on the Mount – 5:1-7:29
- The Lord’s Prayer – 6:9-13
- The Parable of the Sower – 13:1-23
- The Promise of the Church – 16:13-20
- The Transfiguration of Christ – 17:1-8
- The Rejection of Israel by Jesus – 21:23-46
- The Crucifixion – 27:1-61
- The Resurrection – 28:1-20
II. Three main teachings of Matthew’s gospel
A. Matthew 5:17: Jesus came to fulfill the law and prophets; Matthew used prophecy to prove Jesus is the Messiah.
B. Matthew 4:17: The promised kingdom was near if the nation repented! Now the kingdom is postponed until the King returns.
C. Matthew 6:24: Jesus says one cannot serve God and riches (we cannot serve two masters); Jesus teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Conclusion
Matthew’s gospel also contains the well-known passage in chapter 24 concerning details of the return of Christ. The prophecies of Jesus in that chapter predict the major characteristics of the present age, along with a confirmation of Daniel’s famous prophecy of 70 weeks determined upon the nation of Israel,
As well, Jesus predicts a time yet to come known as the great tribulation (24:21). He goes on to warn of false Christs and false prophets who shall deceive many with great signs and wonders (24:24). The climax of this great chapter is the prediction Jesus will immediately appear following the tribulation of those days (24:29).
Upon his return the Lord Jesus will re-gather his elect (Israel) and proceed to establish his kingdom centered in the city of the great King—Jerusalem.
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Mark
The human instrument used of God to give us the gospel of St. Mark is a man named John Mark. John was his Jewish name, while Mark was his Latin surname.
Let’s explore the following verses in the New Testament and allow them to introduce us to Mark:
Acts 12:12: An important prayer meeting took place at his mother’s house in Jerusalem.
Colossians 4:10: Mark was a relative of Barnabas.
1 Peter 5:13: Mark was the spiritual son of the apostle Peter.
Acts 13:5: John Mark travelled with Paul and Barnabas on Paul’s first missionary trip.
Acts 15:38: Mark left Paul and Barnabas on the first trip and this caused the apostle Paul to lose confidence in Mark.
Acts 15:36-40: Mark teamed up with Barnabas and Paul took Silas on his second missionary journey.
2 Timothy 4:11: Paul regains confidence in Mark and asks that he come to help him in ministry.
In the gospel of Mark Jesus is presented as our servant redeemer. Also, whereas Matthew wrote primarily to the Jews, Mark seems to aim his gospel at the Romans. It is a gospel of action and in that way seems suited for the Romans who were men of action.
The key verse of the gospel is found in Mark 10:44-45. In this statement Jesus presents himself as a servant. He came not to be served, but to serve others and give himself a ransom for both Jew and Gentile. (Cf. Isaiah 42:1-2; Acts 10:38).
I. Major Elements of Mark’s Gospel
3. The Parables of Jesus (10 specific parables are recorded by Mark)
4. Record of the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus
II. Three Main Teachings of Mark’s Gospel
Conclusion
Mark’s gospel is full of action as Jesus goes about doing good and healing all oppressed of the devil. Jesus was anointed and thus ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit without measure (Cf. John 3:34). Mark most certainly presents Jesus as Jehovah’s servant who gave himself away in selfless service and as the great sacrifice for our sins.
Mark
The human instrument used of God to give us the gospel of St. Mark is a man named John Mark. John was his Jewish name, while Mark was his Latin surname.
Let’s explore the following verses in the New Testament and allow them to introduce us to Mark:
Acts 12:12: An important prayer meeting took place at his mother’s house in Jerusalem.
Colossians 4:10: Mark was a relative of Barnabas.
1 Peter 5:13: Mark was the spiritual son of the apostle Peter.
Acts 13:5: John Mark travelled with Paul and Barnabas on Paul’s first missionary trip.
Acts 15:38: Mark left Paul and Barnabas on the first trip and this caused the apostle Paul to lose confidence in Mark.
Acts 15:36-40: Mark teamed up with Barnabas and Paul took Silas on his second missionary journey.
2 Timothy 4:11: Paul regains confidence in Mark and asks that he come to help him in ministry.
In the gospel of Mark Jesus is presented as our servant redeemer. Also, whereas Matthew wrote primarily to the Jews, Mark seems to aim his gospel at the Romans. It is a gospel of action and in that way seems suited for the Romans who were men of action.
The key verse of the gospel is found in Mark 10:44-45. In this statement Jesus presents himself as a servant. He came not to be served, but to serve others and give himself a ransom for both Jew and Gentile. (Cf. Isaiah 42:1-2; Acts 10:38).
I. Major Elements of Mark’s Gospel
- The Miracles of Jesus (18 recorded miracles)
- The Authority of Jesus over Demons
3. The Parables of Jesus (10 specific parables are recorded by Mark)
4. Record of the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus
II. Three Main Teachings of Mark’s Gospel
- We are called to be servants (Mark 10:44-45; Cf. Phil. 2:5-11)
- Have Faith in God as you pray (Mark 11:20-26)
- The Great Commandment (Mark 12:28-34)
Conclusion
Mark’s gospel is full of action as Jesus goes about doing good and healing all oppressed of the devil. Jesus was anointed and thus ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit without measure (Cf. John 3:34). Mark most certainly presents Jesus as Jehovah’s servant who gave himself away in selfless service and as the great sacrifice for our sins.
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Luke
Luke is called “the beloved physician” by Paul (Col. 4:14) and is mentioned by Paul two other times by name. He is identified as one of Paul’s fellow laborers in Philemon 24 and was the only one remaining with Paul just before his death as a martyr (2 Tim. 4:11).
The early church universally recognized Luke as the human author of both the gospel that bears his name and the book of Acts, however, he never mentions himself by name in either book.
Luke addressed both his Gospel and Acts to a Greek man named Theophilus (1:3; Acts 1:1). It is thought by many Luke was the only Gentile writer of a book of the Bible. He proceeded to aim his gospel at the Gentiles (Greeks) and presents Jesus as the Son of man.
The title “son of man” identifies Jesus as human and identifies him with his mission to seek and to save lost men. While Jesus is fully God and fully man in one person, Luke places an emphasis upon his humanity.
In fact, Luke presents Jesus as the perfect Spirit-filled man. Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit and performed his ministry to others in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:1, 16-21).
As Jesus performed his ministry to others Luke gives us a glimpse into his emotions, love, and compassion for the weak and hurting. The love of Christ compelled him to personally seek the lost like the shepherd who left the ninety and nine to find the one lost sheep (Luke 15:1-6).
I. The Introduction of the Son of Man – Luke 1-3
A. Birth and presentation in the temple
B. Childhood
C. The genealogy of Mary
II. The Ministry of the Son of Man – Luke 4-11
A. His demonstration of power through miracles – 5:1-11
B. His teachings and parables
C. Rejection by the religious leaders – 11:45-54
III. The Teachings of the Son of Man – Luke 12-19
A. Hypocrisy, covetousness, and the Second Coming
B. Repentance, the kingdom of heaven, and discipleship
IV. The Death of the Son of Man – Luke 20-24
A. His last week
B. The Last Supper
C. Peter's Denial
D. His trial, crucifixion, resurrection, and appearances
Conclusion
Luke’s gospel compels us to follow the example of our Lord who ministered to others in the power of the Spirit. We are called to love a lost world and seek them as did the Spirit-filled Son of Man.
Luke is called “the beloved physician” by Paul (Col. 4:14) and is mentioned by Paul two other times by name. He is identified as one of Paul’s fellow laborers in Philemon 24 and was the only one remaining with Paul just before his death as a martyr (2 Tim. 4:11).
The early church universally recognized Luke as the human author of both the gospel that bears his name and the book of Acts, however, he never mentions himself by name in either book.
Luke addressed both his Gospel and Acts to a Greek man named Theophilus (1:3; Acts 1:1). It is thought by many Luke was the only Gentile writer of a book of the Bible. He proceeded to aim his gospel at the Gentiles (Greeks) and presents Jesus as the Son of man.
The title “son of man” identifies Jesus as human and identifies him with his mission to seek and to save lost men. While Jesus is fully God and fully man in one person, Luke places an emphasis upon his humanity.
In fact, Luke presents Jesus as the perfect Spirit-filled man. Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit and performed his ministry to others in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:1, 16-21).
As Jesus performed his ministry to others Luke gives us a glimpse into his emotions, love, and compassion for the weak and hurting. The love of Christ compelled him to personally seek the lost like the shepherd who left the ninety and nine to find the one lost sheep (Luke 15:1-6).
I. The Introduction of the Son of Man – Luke 1-3
A. Birth and presentation in the temple
B. Childhood
C. The genealogy of Mary
II. The Ministry of the Son of Man – Luke 4-11
A. His demonstration of power through miracles – 5:1-11
B. His teachings and parables
C. Rejection by the religious leaders – 11:45-54
III. The Teachings of the Son of Man – Luke 12-19
A. Hypocrisy, covetousness, and the Second Coming
B. Repentance, the kingdom of heaven, and discipleship
IV. The Death of the Son of Man – Luke 20-24
A. His last week
B. The Last Supper
C. Peter's Denial
D. His trial, crucifixion, resurrection, and appearances
Conclusion
Luke’s gospel compels us to follow the example of our Lord who ministered to others in the power of the Spirit. We are called to love a lost world and seek them as did the Spirit-filled Son of Man.
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John
The gospel of John stands alone among the four gospels. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are often referred to as the “Synoptic Gospels” because they present a general summary of the life of Christ in similar fashion. However, John’s gospel is different. Apart from the events associated with John the Baptist and the death and resurrection of Christ, the only event described by John which is also in the Synoptic Gospels is the multiplication of the loaves and fishes.
Furthermore, the gospel of John contains doctrinal discourse not found in the other Gospels. It is John who gives us the famous I AM statements of our Lord. As well, the gospel of John contains our Lord’s mighty promises concerning eternal life. While the Synoptic Gospels give us a general timeline of events spanning the life of Christ, John’s gospel focuses largely on the last week of our Lord’s life (John 12-21), with the first half of the book documenting the controversy amongst the Jewish rulers concerning his identity. Clearly, John presents Jesus as the Son of God (God manifest in the person of Jesus the promised Messiah).
John is known as the beloved disciple (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2). He was a fisherman by trade and the brother of James. He left his fishing nets to follow Jesus as one of the original twelve disciples. He was recognized by the early church as the author of the gospel and the three epistles that bear his name. He wrote the book of Revelation at the command of Christ who appeared to him on the isle of Patmos.
In accordance with his stated purpose in John 20:30-31, the message of John’s gospel has been used throughout the history of the church to bring multitudes to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
I. Major Elements of John’s Gospel
II. Three Main Teachings of John’s Gospel
Conclusion
“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book, But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:30-31; Cf. 1 John 5:9-13).
The gospel of John stands alone among the four gospels. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are often referred to as the “Synoptic Gospels” because they present a general summary of the life of Christ in similar fashion. However, John’s gospel is different. Apart from the events associated with John the Baptist and the death and resurrection of Christ, the only event described by John which is also in the Synoptic Gospels is the multiplication of the loaves and fishes.
Furthermore, the gospel of John contains doctrinal discourse not found in the other Gospels. It is John who gives us the famous I AM statements of our Lord. As well, the gospel of John contains our Lord’s mighty promises concerning eternal life. While the Synoptic Gospels give us a general timeline of events spanning the life of Christ, John’s gospel focuses largely on the last week of our Lord’s life (John 12-21), with the first half of the book documenting the controversy amongst the Jewish rulers concerning his identity. Clearly, John presents Jesus as the Son of God (God manifest in the person of Jesus the promised Messiah).
John is known as the beloved disciple (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2). He was a fisherman by trade and the brother of James. He left his fishing nets to follow Jesus as one of the original twelve disciples. He was recognized by the early church as the author of the gospel and the three epistles that bear his name. He wrote the book of Revelation at the command of Christ who appeared to him on the isle of Patmos.
In accordance with his stated purpose in John 20:30-31, the message of John’s gospel has been used throughout the history of the church to bring multitudes to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
I. Major Elements of John’s Gospel
- The eternal Word takes to himself human nature – John 1:1-18
- The essential doctrine of the new birth – John 3:1-21
- Four undisputable witnesses establishing Jesus as the Son of God – John 5:30-47
- Our Lord’s seven I AM statements – John 6:35; 8:12; 10:9; 10:11; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1
- Seven creative miracles confirming His deity – John 2:11; 4:49-54; 5:5-9; 6:5-14; 6:16-21; 9:1-7; 11:41-45
- The Words of eternal life – John 3:15-16, 36; 5:24; 6:37-40, 47; 10:27, 28; 11:26; 20:31
II. Three Main Teachings of John’s Gospel
- Jesus is equal with the Father – John 5:17-23; 8:13-59
- Jesus is the only way to the Father – John 14:1-6
- Jesus prays the Father to send the Holy Spirit – John 14:16-26; 15:26-27; 16:7-16
Conclusion
“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book, But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:30-31; Cf. 1 John 5:9-13).
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Acts of the Apostles
The book of Acts serves as a brief history of the early church and the advancement of the gospel beginning in Jerusalem and to the uttermost parts of the world. Chapters one through twelve are primarily concerned with details surrounding the Apostle Peter, whereas the remainder of the book primarily focuses upon the Apostle Paul and his missionary journeys.
The book of Acts documents the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit and His subsequent work of empowering believers to take the gospel to the world. Furthermore, the book demonstrates the faithfulness of believers as they persevered through seasons of persecution for the cause of Christ.
I. Major Elements of the Book of Acts
II. Three Main Teachings from the Book of Acts
Conclusion
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
The book of Acts serves as a brief history of the early church and the advancement of the gospel beginning in Jerusalem and to the uttermost parts of the world. Chapters one through twelve are primarily concerned with details surrounding the Apostle Peter, whereas the remainder of the book primarily focuses upon the Apostle Paul and his missionary journeys.
The book of Acts documents the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit and His subsequent work of empowering believers to take the gospel to the world. Furthermore, the book demonstrates the faithfulness of believers as they persevered through seasons of persecution for the cause of Christ.
I. Major Elements of the Book of Acts
- The Ascension of Christ: Acts 1:1-11
- The Day of Pentecost: Acts 2:1-41
- Early ministry led by Peter: Acts 3:1-12:19
- The Conversion of Saul: Acts 9:1-31
- Paul’s first missionary journey: Acts 13:1-14:28
- Paul’s second missionary journey: Acts 15:35-41; 16:1-18:11
- Paul’s third missionary journey: Acts 18:22, 23; 19:1-21:15
- Paul’s journey to Rome: Acts 21:17-28:31
II. Three Main Teachings from the Book of Acts
- The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: Acts 2:29-32; 4:31-33
- Justification by faith alone: Acts 15:1-32
- The power of the Word of God: Acts 19:8-20
Conclusion
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
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Romans
The book of Romans is the longest of the Pauline epistles and contains extensive teaching on the great doctrine of salvation central to Biblical Christianity. In fact, we could say the book of Romans is the gospel taught to believers. Upon receiving Christ as Savior, it is incumbent upon every young disciple of Christ (regardless of age) to deepen his understanding of the work of Christ on the cross by which we possess a right standing with the living God.
As pointed out by various scholars, it is interesting to note the book of Romans contains about 60 quotations from the Old Testament Scriptures. This once again underscores the importance of the entire Word of God contained in both the Old and New Testaments. While we most certainly live under the New Covenant, it also follows immediately there is no way to properly understand what we possess in Christ apart from a working knowledge of Old Testament history and teaching.
Every believer needs to feed often from the rich doctrinal truths set forth in this great treatise on salvation by grace alone through faith alone in our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
I. Major Elements of the Book of Romans
II. Three Main Teachings from the Book of Romans
Are you ashamed of the gospel? In what ways are you tempted to be ashamed of the gospel?
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Note: Therein (in the gospel) is the righteousness of God revealed (v17).
2. Conclusion drawn from the truth of the Gospel (Romans 3:22-28):
Believers are justified—cleared of guilt and declared righteous in the sight of God—by faith in Christ apart from the works of the Law. (Cf. Romans 10:8-10)
3. Who can lay anything to the charge of God’s elect (Romans 8:28-39)? Who are the elect?
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Conclusion
In view of all the Lord Jesus endured for our salvation every believer is compelled to present his body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1).
The book of Romans is the longest of the Pauline epistles and contains extensive teaching on the great doctrine of salvation central to Biblical Christianity. In fact, we could say the book of Romans is the gospel taught to believers. Upon receiving Christ as Savior, it is incumbent upon every young disciple of Christ (regardless of age) to deepen his understanding of the work of Christ on the cross by which we possess a right standing with the living God.
As pointed out by various scholars, it is interesting to note the book of Romans contains about 60 quotations from the Old Testament Scriptures. This once again underscores the importance of the entire Word of God contained in both the Old and New Testaments. While we most certainly live under the New Covenant, it also follows immediately there is no way to properly understand what we possess in Christ apart from a working knowledge of Old Testament history and teaching.
Every believer needs to feed often from the rich doctrinal truths set forth in this great treatise on salvation by grace alone through faith alone in our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
I. Major Elements of the Book of Romans
- The Guilt of the Gentile World: Romans 1:18-32
- The Like Condemnation of the Jewish World: Romans 2:1-29
- The Righteousness of God Apart from the Law: Romans 3:1-31
- Abraham—the Great Example of Justification by Faith: Romans 4:1-5:1
- Adam is as Real a Person as Moses: Romans 5:12-21
- The Believer’s Relationship to Sin as a Master: Romans 6:1-23
- The Believer is Dead to the Law: Romans 7:1-25
- No Condemnation to those Who Are in Christ Jesus: Romans 8:1-39
- God Has Not Cast Away His People, the Jews: Romans 9:1-11:36
- Practical Guidance for our growth in Christ: Romans 12:1-16:27
II. Three Main Teachings from the Book of Romans
- Foundational Verses of the book: Romans 1:16-17
Are you ashamed of the gospel? In what ways are you tempted to be ashamed of the gospel?
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Note: Therein (in the gospel) is the righteousness of God revealed (v17).
2. Conclusion drawn from the truth of the Gospel (Romans 3:22-28):
Believers are justified—cleared of guilt and declared righteous in the sight of God—by faith in Christ apart from the works of the Law. (Cf. Romans 10:8-10)
3. Who can lay anything to the charge of God’s elect (Romans 8:28-39)? Who are the elect?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Conclusion
In view of all the Lord Jesus endured for our salvation every believer is compelled to present his body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1).
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1 Corinthians
The book of first and second Corinthians is addressed to “the church of God which is at Corinth” (1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 1:1). This church formed from the ministry of the Apostle Paul as detailed in Acts chapter eighteen. Paul travelled to the city during his second missionary trip and many of the Corinthians hearing the gospel believed and were baptized (Acts 18:8).
It is interesting to note the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision assuring him not to be afraid to speak. The Lord assured Paul he was with him and no man would hurt him. In fact, the Lord said he had much people in the city (Acts 18:9-10). Consequently, Paul remained in Corinth for a year and six months teaching the Word of God among them (Acts 18:11).
Paul’s two letters to the church of Corinth served to correct inappropriate behavior in the church and to deepen the faith and walk of each believer. As with all the New Testament, we need to feed upon this section of God’s Word in the interest of growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A. Major Elements of the Book of 1 Corinthians
- Addressing divisions in the church: (1:1-3:23).
- Addressing scandals in the church: (5:1-6:20).
- Addressing the importance of marriage: (7:1-40).
- Addressing the matter of Christian liberty: (8:1-11:1).
- Addressing abuses of the Lord’s table: (11:17-34).
- Addressing the proper use of spiritual gifts: (12:1-14:40).
- Without charity we are nothing: (13:1-13).
- The gospel defined and the necessity of the resurrection: (15:1-58).
B. Three Important Teachings from the Book of 1 Corinthians
- The preaching of the cross is the power of God (1:12-21):
“The preaching of the cross is to them that perish ____________________; but unto us which are __________ it is the __________ of God” (1:18).
How did Paul determine to preach the gospel (v17)?
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How do we know from this passage that baptism is not a part of the saving gospel of Christ?
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If baptism is not a part of the saving gospel, why are we commanded by Christ to be baptized?
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- Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (6:15-20).
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- Experiencing God’s faithfulness when we are tempted (10:1-13).
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Conclusion – Key Verse
“If there be no resurrection from the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain . . . But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that died” (1 Cor. 15:13-14, 20).
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