Just Christ Crucified by Mike Mills

March 21, 2018 - We all know of the apostle Paul, how he had been the worst of the worst when it came to persecuting Christians or anyone who was even suspected of following the Lord Jesus in his new Way.

Paul was handpicked to sit at the feet of Gamaliel the high priest of the Jews, to train under him for the future. He was well known the Hebrew of the hebrews, a leader-in-waiting for Judaism. And yet, he became the leader of the Way, the apostle of apostles after meeting Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, while on his way to arrest and persecute more Christians.

Paul, maybe more than any other apostle understood the magnitude of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus on the cross and in his preaching he used utmost care not to overshadow, in any way, the power of the cross of Christ.

That is what I want to talk about with you today, the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice and that all must be careful not to dilute that sacrifice with the message they preach today.

In all that Paul did, he tried hardest to unify the church by bringing a uniform message of Jesus Christ and him crucified for the sins of all people. He speaks to the Corinthians in his first letter to them about that importance when he writes.

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgement.” (1 Corinthians 1:10) 

Paul goes on to explain that it has been brought to his attention that there has been quarreling among them about who had baptized whom. Whether it was Paul or maybe Apollos or even Crispus or Cephus. This silly argument brought Paul to then say; "I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name.” (1 Corinthians 1:14-15) 

Paul then gives great emphasis to this when he says; “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” (1 Corinthians 1:17)

Wow, what a statement, what a testimony for the power of the sacrifice of Christ which culminated in the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus. 

As Paul goes on in the letter he makes this observation that Jesus Christ is the wisdom and the power of God on earth.

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18) 

For those who are being held from the penalty of sin by the power of Jesus’ sacrifice for the sins of all people, the power of the cross is the power of God and must not be diluted in any way.

This is why Paul says; “For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles.” (1 Corinthians 1:22-23)

Paul goes even farther to impress the importance of the cross when he says; “And I when I came to you, brothers, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:1-2)

So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:5)

For all who do believe; no one has seen or can imagine what God is preparing.

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) 

Have you shown your love for God by accepting him as Lord, if not, would you do so today. 

Would you show your love by asking him to save you, to lift you out of the pit of destruction, by hereby dedicating your life, body and soul to him, forever more.

May his blessings find you this day.