Does baptism for the dead have a basis in the Bible?  Was this Mormon temple rite originally established by Jesus, and taught and practiced by His apostles?    Chapter 14 is a continuation of Paul’s teachings dealing with – gifts of the Spirit in Chapter 12 – and charity in Chapter 13.  It would seem, that many of the Corinthian believers had gone overboard with speaking in tongues.  Paul had a lot to say in Chapter 14 about speaking in tongues – but we aren’t going to spend any time on it today – because the next Chapter has so much content to discuss.Chapter 15 is one of the most doctrinally important chapters in all the New Testament.  From Acts 17:32, we know that among some of the Greeks, the doctrine of the resurrection was regarded as ridiculous.  We know from the Gospel accounts that there were Jews who denied it.  As a means to counteract these errors, and to put the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead on a firm foundation of irrefutable truth – Paul addresses it – head on.  Verse 1 “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;”  He’s saying, I Paul, an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ declare unto you – believers in Corinth – THE GOSPLE.  The Good News!  What is the Good News Paul’s referring to here?  The things that he will include in the package of the Good News is given in Verses 3-4 “how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”  That is the definition of the Gospel – it’s that concise and simple.  When asked what is, the Gospel of Christ – you can go to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 to find the answer.  In this passage, we see three essential elements to the gospel message.  First, that Jesus “died for our sins.”  Second, that “he was buried.”  And, third, Jesus “rose again the third day.”  These are the concise essential elements of the gospel: the death of Christ on the cross to pay for our sins, the resurrection of Christ to provide life everlasting for those who will follow Him, and the offer of the free gift of salvation to all.  This is the foundation upon which Christians have to “stand.”  Now isn’t it interesting that Paul himself doesn’t include anything   includes today – for the Good News to have power to save?  He says nothing about baptism, being member of a church, having a priesthood authority, having a man calling himself a prophet, temple ordinances and rituals.  Nothing about doing works or being worthy.  These things are the non-essentials in the Gospel – which men have embraced and made part of the Good News.  But the Good News according to Paul here – stand on the works of Jesus Christ for the redemption of the world.  Paul warns in Galatians 1:6-9 “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  As we said before, so say I now again, If any many preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.“   Paul now adds the following in reference to Jesus rising on the third day – which is the general topic of this chapter – the resurrection – first of Christ and secondly of others.  So speaking of His rising after three days, Paul writes 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 “And that he was seen of Cephas (who was Peter), then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren (not counting women) at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep (meaning they have died).  After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.  And last of all he was seen of me (Paul) also, as of one born out of due time.