Daily Bible Verses for 2/1/2017

Preach Only Christ Crucified – (1st Corinthians 2:1-3)

Daily Verse(s)
And when I [Paul] came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling.

Reading Notes
We can often become entangled in theological debates, as the pride of our fallen humanity fights its way to the surface to show itself to the world for admiration. However, until a person by the work of the Holy Spirit understands, believes and accepts the Gospel Message of salvation by Christ alone, through faith alone. There is really nothing more that can be said to them and nothing else that matters as far as their lives are concerned. Therefore, ours is only to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified, and let the Holy Spirit carry out His work of regeneration in the heart of those who are lost. When Paul came to Corinth, he was recovering from having been beaten and imprisoned in Philippi. In addition, he was beaten and ran out of Thessalonica and Berea.

After which Paul was then scoffed at in Athens. Because of these events He was physically weak and emotionally tired. However, God used that weakness, through the Holy Spirit to save souls. The gospel message Paul preached through the power of the Holy Spirit, saved souls and changed lives. How is this possible? Because the Gospel of Jesus, is the power of God to save lives. And God was able to use Paul regardless of his physical state. And it’s when we are weak and unable to take the credit, or when we humble ourselves that God’s work becomes mighty on our behalf. Because when the boasting of mankind is said and done, the only thing that matters in this world and the next is whether or not we know Jesus Christ. This means understanding why He had to die for us and accept Him as our Lord and Savior, believing He is very God. And it’s only then, through humble submission, that God can use us as well for His kingdom work.