Embracing Faith update #5

Today's passage is 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 and the apostle Paul is telling the people at Corinth that his message is simple: Jesus Christ and him crucified. The "sophists" of that day used eloquent words and persuasive speech to get their ideas of "wisdom" across to the people. And Paul could have done the same thing because he was an absolutely brilliant man but he refused to use their tactics to share the message of Christ.

(Erin Bird wrote the daily devo today and you can read it by clicking here.)

Take a moment and think about the Christian message. A man, the God-man, Jesus was born in a stable, lived 29 years of obscurity as a carpenter's son, and then had a public ministry of just three years and led only 12 men, one who was a loser. He never owned a house or any mode of transportation. He was a great leader, yet had no formal education and lived from "hand to mouth." Then he was betrayed, crucified as a criminal in the company of criminals, and rose again on the third day.

"Believe in Jesus!" we say. Then we are told to "take up the cross." This is not a very popular message by man's standards. In fact, it requires that the "adherent" lay down their life and find their life in Christ alone. It's all Christ!!!

I have to occasionally remind myself that I have been bought with the high price of Christ's shed blood on the cross and I no longer own my life...

or my finances.

The challenge for me today is to trust God with everything I have, and don't have. This was brought to my attention this morning when the mechanic said that the radiator would cost $500+ to replace. Thankfully it is not my car, or my problem. I think I'll let the Lord handle this one. Or, at least I am going to try. Tye out.

2:1 When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come with superior eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed the testimony of God. 2:2 For I decided to be concerned about nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 2:3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and with much trembling. 2:4 My conversation and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 2:5 so that your faith would not be based on human wisdom but on the power of God.
I Corinthians 2:1-5 (The Net Bible)