LEARNING DAILY

 

1 Corinthians 1;18, 21, 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 since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

 

I am always listening or making a note of something I read for an idea to research and write about in the blog. Yesterday, in Church, Dr, Ed Newton said a few things that I took note of. You might not have thoought much of them, considered them great thoughts, and went on listening to the message. I have not been able to let go of the thought. Here is the basis of what he said. The message of Jesus was unpopular. If He were to return to this world, He would deliver the same message and it be just as unpopular.

 

Newton continued saying that the message of Jesus was not politically correct; it was certainly unpopular with the majority of people. His message was about turning away from sin (repentance), how to be blessed (Beatitudes), and being salt and light to a dark world. He said murder was about the anger of our heart and adultery was also about the lust of our eyes and mind. He defined marriage and defined what a man and a woman was. This is just the beginning of what He said in what is known as the Sermon on the Mount. Can you imagine what controversy this message would cause today? There would be riots in the streets and there would be those who would want to crucify Him again.

 

Nothing has changed! The message Jesus preached is foolishness to many people. Paul writes that these people are perishing. The David Jeremiah Study Bible tells us, “The cross is a simple word – basic enough that everyone understands its essence, yet powerful enough to radically transform a life.” Have you noticed that when the cross of Jesus is preached or even discussed that it brings division between those who believe in its power to save? Now, don’t misunderstand. It was Jesus hanging on the cross and His resurrection that have the power to save; the cross is the symbol of that salvation. The point being made is the cross brings division between those who reject it as foolishness are perishing and those who receive it are being saved. The cross is the active power of God to save those who believe.

 

The method of preaching or teaching this message is not the foolishness Paul is talking about. The foolishness of those perishing is the message that Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, was crucified in their place for their sinful lifestyle, thoughts, and belief that they will end up in heaven for their good deeds. Today, those unbelievers are doing everything they can to remove the right to free speech so the gospel of Christ cannot be shared.

 

The reason so many fail to accept that Jesus died on a cross to save them is because it is too easy; is it too simple for them so it becomes foolishness. Perhaps Paul is telling people today to be careful about trusting their own wisdom or the wisdom of others who preach about logic or philosophy. Human logic, wisdom or even understanding does not bring one to the saving grace of Jesus Christ and the cross. That truth has to be by revelation from God.