WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19
1 Corinthians 1:18-19
Romans 1:16-17

"For the preaching of the cross is
to them that perish foolishness…"

ASHAMED OF THE CROSS?

Yesterday, we learnt that the world regards the Word of the cross as foolishness. The unregenerate despise the humble background of the Lord Jesus. They scorn the manner of His death, for crucifixion is reserved for the punishment of slaves and the worst criminals. They are not able to perceive the true nature and character of Christ, neither do they embrace His resurrection and ascension. They would rather trust in themselves and find their own way to heaven.

Nevertheless, we who are saints must embrace and love the message of the cross, for this gospel is the power of God that saves. The power of God also points us to the blessed work of the Holy Spirit. When the Word of God is preached, the Holy Spirit convicts men of their sin, and brings them into a wondrous salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, we present the Word of the cross with full assurance, knowing that it is not a myth but truth that saves.

Sadly, there are churches today that have become ashamed of the gospel. John MacArthur noted the downgrade of churches in America in his book Ashamed of the Gospel. He bemoaned how these churches have become "user-friendly" and "marketable," substituting the "old-time" gospel for a "show-time" religion. Instead of the preaching of God’s Word, the Word of the cross is substituted with pop music, jokes and philosophical rhetoric. These were the things that Paul denounced here in 1 Corinthians. Instead of the Word of the cross, they had the wisdom of man’s words. By embracing worldly wisdom, these churches have forgotten that the message of the cross is "the power of God unto salvation" (Rom 1:16).

What about us? Do we shrink from sharing the Word of the cross because of our fear of men? Do we doubt the power of the message of the cross to save? Let us not shun any opportunity to declare the Word of the cross, even if it means rejection by the world.

THOUGHT: Am I ashamed of the Word of the cross?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to love the Word of the cross.