" We Preach CHRIST Crucified " Part# 1 of 2

1st.Corinthians 2:1-5  "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of GOD. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save JESUS CHRIST, and HIM crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the SPIRIT and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of GOD."

     The glorious power of the Gospel does not depend upon the abilities of those who proclaim it. GOD's blessing upon Paul's ministry was not because of who Paul was but, rather, WHOM Paul preached. Although the Apostle was well trained in man's wisdom before his conversion, he was no orator. While he was bold in the presentation of the gospel, his boldness was SPIRIT-given, not self-attained. The Gospel message should always draw attention to JESUS, WHO died for our sins and rose again for our justification; that was Paul's aim. Our text states that GOD's power and blessing, not our natural abilities, are required for ministry. If we were able to serve GOD aright apart from HIS enabling grace, then we could - and surely would - boast.

     Verse two demands special attention since its application is often misunderstood by those who find fault with Pastors who preach biblical separation and warn about false teachers. These individuals claim that that type of warning ministry violates this verse. Not so ! The example of Paul himself quickly reveals just how unscriptural such a position is. This text is saying that, in proclaiming the Gospel, we must preach only CHRIST and HIM crucified, which is a vital fact to emphasize in these days when so many different gospels are being preached (Galatians 1:8-9). Paul's ministry to the church at Ephesus (Acts 20:17-35), however, makes it clear that believers also need to receive continual warning about error. Those who preach a different message than that which is written in GOD's WORD are to be withstood at all costs (Jude 3). We must not only preach JESUS CHRIST to the unsaved, but we also are to proclaim all the counsel of GOD to believers. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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