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,
Thank you for the simplicity of your will for us. So many still get caught up in the details regarding your love for us. Without faith in you, people want to consider their self-acclaimed goodness or be overwhelmed with guilt and shame. They get tripped up over you because they are so engrossed in their sins; they may not want to change or don’t think there is any way to overcome the things they have done. To hear about their sins is offensive and foolish because “there is no way I would forgive me.”
You hold all accountable for their actions, and the result of sinning is to be condemned for eternity in hell. Also, you are a just God and only punish that sin once—you punished your Son in our place. So, all sins are forgiven. However, forgiveness is a gift from you that is received by faith alone in Jesus; this becomes the stumbling block. So many feel they must participate in this forgiveness: “I have to do something to earn it!” “How can it be a free gift?” “I wouldn’t forgive me for the things I have done!”
Jesus did everything necessary to redeem each person; while we may not understand Your will and how You overcame sin, we must remember You are far stronger and more intelligent than us. Your salvational plan restores us through faith alone in Jesus, where we receive forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. So please let us share this good news with those who stumble over this beautiful message and open their hearts to receive it in all its simplicity. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Sin makes understanding God’s love for us difficult because when we look in the mirror, it is nearly impossible to know why God would unconditionally love us. However, he does love us, and he sent his Son to pay for all your sins and redeem you, a lost and condemned person.