"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,
but to those who are being saved, it is the power of God."
but to those who are being saved, it is the power of God."
1 Corinthians 1:18
A man was trying to share the gospel of Christ with a friend. He told him of God's love for us in Christ. He explained that Christ died for all of our sins at the cross. The friend said, "Listen, I don't want to offend you, but what does a man dying on a cross thousands of years ago have to do with me? He didn't know me, and I don't know much about Him." The man said to his friend, "Thanks for being honest with me. I guess you just have to experience the power of the cross, and you haven't yet." There was a pause of silence, and they began discussing another subject.
The preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who refuse to believe in Christ. For the believer, it is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). What makes the difference? The work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of man is the difference. When we experience the message of the cross, it is the power of God. The Holy Spirit witnesses to us through the gospel, the truth of Christ crucified. When we receive Christ by faith, we experience the power of God in Christ crucified. We have the assurance that our sins are forgiven. The love of God changes our hearts and lives (Romans 5:5). That is the power of God.
What does the cross of Jesus mean to you? Unbelief honestly says, "What could Christ crucified possibly have to do with me?" Faith says, "He died in my place. He suffered and died for my sins." If you believe that Jesus took your place at the cross, and died for your sins, then you have experienced the power of God unto salvation. You are assured that God loves you. You are accepted by God in Christ. You may even be amazed that others don't understand, nor believe. The difference is the experience of God's power.
Prayer: Father, we glory in the cross of Jesus Christ. We are grateful for the power of God unto salvation. May the Holy Spirit work through us to share the good news with others, in Jesus name. Amen.
