Title: “Is Your Belief in Vain?” – Sermon by Jeff Piepho (Aug 13, 2023)

Jeff Piepho, in his sermon titled “Is Your Belief in Vain? Holding Firmly to the Gospel” as part of the “1 Corinthians (Jesus Above All Things)” series, delves deep into the heart of the gospel message found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Piepho challenges Christians to reflect on the authenticity of their faith and commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

He starts by highlighting the foundational message of the gospel: Christ’s death for our sins and His resurrection. This is the core belief on which Christians are called to stand firmly, making it the “hill to die on.”

Piepho warns against a lukewarm approach to faith, quoting 1 Corinthians 15:2, which emphasizes the importance of holding firmly to the gospel.

The sermon continues with an exploration of the principles of sowing and reaping from Galatians 6:7-10. Piepho stresses that our actions have consequences, both good and bad. Choosing to live by the Spirit results in blessings and eternal rewards, while yielding to sinful desires leads to destruction, both temporally and potentially eternally.

He delves into Hebrews 12:5-7, highlighting that God’s discipline is evidence of His love for us. Enduring hardships and challenges is not a sign of God’s absence but a testament to His role as our Father.

Referencing Revelation 22:12, Piepho underscores that God’s rewards are sure and are based on our deeds. He combats the misconception that if God doesn’t make things right in the present, He never will.

Concluding with an emphasis on perseverance from Galatians 6:9-10, Piepho encourages believers not to grow weary. The life we live now prepares us for eternal blessings. It’s crucial to seize this singular opportunity to do good, remain steadfast in faith, and anticipate the glorious harvest that awaits in God’s timing.