July 2008

1 Co 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel; not in wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

There are two things we need to see in this verse of scripture. Firstly paul says he was sent to preach the gospel. Is what I am preaching or sharing with others good news or bad news? Religion of today is based on the premise that God is angry and that He is out to punish us. People are filled with guilt, shame and condemnation. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus has set us free from sin, guilt, shame and condemnation. If it is not good news it is not the gospel. The apostle Paul was not ashamed of the good news and he saw the power of that good news. The second thing is the cross of Christ and its effect. I have to understand everything in the light of the cross of Christ, what was accomplished on my behalf and the provisions that God has made through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. The apostle Paul preached Jesus and Him crucified. Let's stay with the good news of the gospel and the finished work of Jesus, when we do so, we see its power and experience its provision.