The CROSS reminds us of the glorious gospel message that Jesus died for our sins was buried and rose again. The message of the cross is the centerpiece of our church. Our very reason for existence is to lift high the cross of Christ in an unsaved world. The great question before us today is “Do we?”
I am attempting to write very plainly to our church of our responsibilities as guardians of the gospel. This topic was once fresh in your mind and spirit… at the moment of salvation. Somehow, over time, the cross has become a pendant on one’s necklace. Perhaps it is a cute tattoo. Friends, we must be refreshed in our view of the cross. It is the lifeblood of Christianity. Its meaning and veracity divides the believer from the unbeliever.
To do this, over the next couple of days, I would like to breakdown a section of I Corinthians 1. Why was the Apostle Paul so fired up about the cross? Let’s attempt to find out. In verse one, Paul reminded the Corinthians of the challenge of the cross to all who believed.
Paul reminds the Corinthians that he did not come with excellency of speech or of wisdom. In other words, I did come with “fancy words or a show of human wisdom.” “I didn’t try to dazzle you with my great oratory ability and an intellect greater than your own.” Paul did not try to put on a show.
Rather, he faithfully declared the testimony of God. He was not there to magnify himself but to magnify God. This is a great lesson for us today!