1 Corinthians 1:22-25
Yes, Jews ask for signs, Greeks desire wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified—which is offensive to Jews and foolishness to Greeks, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. We preach Christ crucified, because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Not much has changed since Paul’s time. The world considers the discussions about Jesus politically incorrect, and his name is somehow associated with hate speech. Along with them not knowing who Christ is, even so-called churches challenge Your teachings and Your Word. Some refuse to believe in creation or the Old Testament prophecies. Some people question whether Jesus was both true man and God, then whether Jesus died on the cross. The world questions who Christ was and why he came; for them, the idea of forgiveness is irrational. Father, the world considers those who believe in you—your words and teachings—foolish.
Yet, in Christ was and is Your entire power and authority. Through Jesus’ perfect life and death, he defeated death and made us your heirs of heaven. We have to admit the cross does not make sense that you would use what appears to be weak to show your strength or that your Son, who is God, would become part of his creation to die for sinners like us, but even though it does not make sense, it does not take away from the truth that Jesus died and rose from the dead. Jesus’ resurrection was for real! Many witnessed it, so the forgiveness of sins and our hope of everlasting life is also true. Lord, give believers the strength and courage always to preach Christ crucified to strengthen the faith of your believers and to share your forgiveness with those who do not yet believe so they will have eternal life. Because, as Paul said, your foolishness is wiser than man, and your weakness is stronger than man, so please strengthen us in your wisdom and strength. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Staying with a church that teaches false doctrine or speaks against the truth of the Bible is like being fed arsenic all your life, wondering why you are sick. May God’s word be taught only in truth and purity.