The Message Of The Cross

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.For it is written:I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

I Corinthians 1:18-19

A famous atheist remarked that to say we are people of faith is to affirm we will believe something without any evidence at all. Thus, he regarded people of faith as fools. The man recently died. It would be interesting to hold a conversation with him today. Paul understood that the preaching of the cross was considered to be foolish by many who heard it. He identified them as ‘those who are perishing.’ They consider themselves wise and prudent, certainly much smarter than gullible souls who believe in a crucified Christ. God does not consider them wise, but rather fools. As the Psalmist wrote, ‘The fool has said in his heart there is no God.’ The second portion of our text is a quotation from Isaiah. In that location God speaks directly about the foolishness of those who make mockery of true faith. No matter how they may exalt themselves, their intellect, and superiority, God opposes their self-exaltation. Paul did not blush to preach the cross. He determined not to know anything among the Corinthians except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The philosophers may mock, and the wise men may scoff. The gospel is for those who will repent and believe. They will not perish but have eternal life. 

Our Good and Wise God,
we rejoice that You are true in every way.
We praise You that Your truth will prevail.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning