"...but we preach Christ crucified..."

- 1 Corinthians 1:23

Today, we see crosses everywhere; on churches, hanging on walls, and they are the most common ornament worn by both the saved and the lost. We just passed through a West Texas town of 2,000 people that had thirty-nine large crosses on display throughout its business district. This was not the case in the first century. The cross was reserved for traitors, thieves, slaves and barbarians. No one wanted to associate with the cross. What was the response when Paul preached Christ crucified? To no surprise, it was “to the Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness.” Even though crosses have gained popularity today, preaching Christ crucified has not and the end result remains the same. For the religious who believe they can be saved through the church, by some ritual, good works or simply being born in a Christian family, the cross is a stumbling block for salvation. It is foolishness to those who are of the world and live as if God did not exist. But Paul also wrote, “the word of the cross… to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Give thanks to God that He used the cross to draw you to Himself that you might be saved. Be encouraged!

References: 1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Corinthians 1:18, 23