I Corinthians 1:18
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
This scripture recently came to mind as I was thinking about something that happened a few Sundays ago. I preached at another Church on a Sunday morning. In my absence, I had another provide coverage for our local assembly. When I returned, a gentlemen told me how great a message this person had taught, and a “it finally clicked with him”. He now understood the importance of baptism and made the decision to be obedient to the Word of God.
During this same service, there was another person who was visiting. The word which came back to me was they would not return and did not enjoy the service.
Here I am, hearing of one who had a life changing experience upon the preached Word and another, who heard the same message, would not come back.
This brought the above scripture to my mind. What was the difference? Did the preaching that day just not “jive” with the one who would not come back? Was the preaching more the style of the one who thought the Word was amazing?
I’m reminded of how I came in the Church. I was in a Bible study with another student. We both sat through the same lessons with the same teacher. However, we did not both have the same outcome. I was baptized during those lessons while the other was not. I put my life in obedience to the Word of God, while the other did not.
What is the difference in these situations? What caused one to love the message and the other to turn away? It wasn’t the style of teaching; it wasn’t the building or environment. Rather, it comes down to the heart. To those who have a heart which desire their life, the cross is foolish. However, to those whose heart is set on God, truly hungers for Him, it is the power of God.
I Samuel 13:14
But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.
When we look at King Saul and King David, what separated the two is one served God His way, lived his life how he wanted, while the other desired to follow God’s way, to live life as God desired. When it comes to the Word of God, does our heart desire the things of God, do we long to hear the Word and do His will. Or rather, is it foolishness to us and we choose to continue our life as we will.
John 12:25
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
What is the result of the cross in our life? Is it foolishness or power?
