Simple and Powerful

Scripture Reading:  1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Focus Verse: 1 Corinthians 2:1  Paul speaking, “When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan.”

Paul writes in our Bible passage that he wants to forget anything, to forget any of his own strength, forget to speak in a clever way, but to just focus on speaking about Jesus, God's plan! He knew that it was important to trust in God's power and not human wisdom.

 

I have preached many messages in Kenya over the last 23 years.  The comment that I hear most often about my preaching is how my message is simple, easy to understand, and powerful. The Gospel is not complicated, and we should not make it sound complicated to the listener. The Gospel message consists of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.  It takes faith to believe this.  Sometimes it’s easier for a child to accept this message than for an adult because of the faith that is needed.  Ephesians 2:8-9 says, " For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” 

Although the Gospel message is simple it is also very powerful because of the Holy Spirit.  In Romans 1:16 Paul writes, “I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ.  It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.”  When I think of power I think of large storms, or earthquakes.  There is great power when God is at work.  Remember there is great power in the simple message of the Gospel.  There is power in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Don’t be ashamed of this message, but proclaim it boldly and keep it simple and true.

Bobby Johnson

Interlocking Ministries