The Gospel Preached

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ be made of none effect.” 1 Corinthians 1v17 (KJV)

The Life Application Bible makes this comment on verse 17: “Some speakers use impressive words, but they are weak on content. Paul stressed solid content and practical help for his listeners. He wanted them to be impressed with his message, not just his style (see 2:1-5). You don’t need to be a great speaker with a large vocabulary to share the gospel effectively. The persuasive power is in the story, not the storyteller. Paul was not against those who carefully prepare what they say (see 2:6), but against those who try to impress others only with their own knowledge or speaking ability.” Indeed beloved, you do not have to know all the Scripture, and have the bestest vocabulary to share the gospel. There is power in the gospel! Romans 1v16 (NLT) says “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes – the Jew first and also the Gentile.” Remember too that Hebrews 4v12-13 (AMP) says “For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.” Beloved, you preach the Word and share the gospel, and let the Word of God accomplish that which it has to do.

Supplementary Text

“And my language and my message were not set forth in persuasive (enticing and plausible) words of wisdom, but they were in demonstration of the [Holy] Spirit and power [a proof by the Spirit and power of God, operating on me and stirring in the minds of my hearers the most holy emotions and thus persuading them], So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men [human philosophy), but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2v4-5 (AMP)

Prayer

Father, we thank You for Your Word. We thank You for the gospel. We pray for an empowerment by Your Spirit, that we would preach the Word, not depending on human wisdom or strength but on Your Spirit and power in Jesus name, amen.