Sorry for the many technical glitches last week. There were several issues that kept us from being able to live stream, however we’ve got things figured out and will be streaming once again Sunday (Lord willing!).
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“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” - 1 Corinthians 2:1-2
In Paul’s day, Corinth was already an old city, with a busy economy. Because of it’s diverse and many visitors, Corinth had a reputation for loose living and immorality. When Paul came to such a challenging place, he did the only thing he could- preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Only Jesus could be the answer for such an immoral place. Preaching for entertainment, or preaching a gospel of self-righteousness couldn’t help. The messages of salvation by good works or good intentions couldn’t and won’t change lives.
Paul didn’t come to Corinth as a philosopher or salesman, but came as a witness. He made a conscious decision (for I determined) to preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. In this approach, Paul wasn’t catering to what his audience wanted. He knew the Jews required a sign, the Greeks seek after wisdom, but he didn’t care, as he was determined to preach Christ.
If we’re not careful, we will get in the way of the Gospel instead of being a servant of the Gospel. Paul could easily say, “All I know is Jesus Christ, and Him crucified for me.”
