Power in Simplicity

Things have been quite busy these past few weeks. Check my other blog to see a full recounting of the craziness that is campus ministry.

Recently I read through 1 and 2 Corinthians. Great books. When I started I read 1 Corinthians 1 and something stood out to me.

Many accused Paul of preaching "Cheap grace" and how salvation, "Can't be that simple." But I really like what he has to say in vv. 17-18, "For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

From these verses I gathered this truth: The Gospel message is simple. Yet it is powerful. The gospel message is as simple as saying that God put on flesh, came to earth, lived a perfect life, died on a cross, and rose again three days later, all for our salvation. Incredibly simple words. Incredibly powerful meaning.

Everyone can understand the words given about the gospel, and everyone can understand that that is the message of the gospel. For those who have faith there is power in this message. But to those who aren't saved, it makes no sense.

A god? Became human? That makes no sense. Why would a god do that? And you claim it's the only god there is? The God? Your sovereign God? Your all powerful God? That's stupid to think that.

And he lived a perfect life? No one can live a perfect life. I mean I'm pretty good, but I'm not perfect, especially compared to the standard of living that your "God" gave. Even he failed in that.

He died on a cross? What? What God dies? Willingly even? Or even better, dies that kind of death? That kind of death was reserved for criminals! Those people are cursed and spat upon by all of mankind! That's like saying your God got the chair! It's reserved for murderers and thieves and rapists! Yet your God went through that? Even though he was perfect? Why?

Because he was raised up three days later? No. No one has ever come back from the dead after that long.

For my salvation? Salvation from what? I don't need salvation. I'm a pretty alright guy. Aren't I? 

The message of the cross is simple. It holds profound power, power which leads to life, salvation, reconciliation with God.

Those that don't believe in it see it as nothing but lies. Yet it is a message, that when accepted, changes everything. Take this message to those that need it this week. Give them a chance for life.