READ: 1 Corinthians 15:1-22
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. :-1 Corinthians 2:1-2
Paul told the Corinthians that he was determined not to know anything except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He did not want to have any business dealings with the Corinthians. Paul wanted to discuss Jesus Christ with the Corinthians. His message had to do with the crucifixion of Christ and what it meant. Apostle Paul was determined to stick with the gospel that he had received. He did not want to deviate from the core message of Jesus Christ and the salvation that He had brought us.
Today, many top leaders in the church have forgotten the gospel of Jesus Christ. Perhaps they are even ashamed of this message. One pastor said a religion that speaks about the Blood is not attractive. Another person said, “If we want to attract people, we cannot emphasize on such gory subjects as the cross, the crucifixion and the blood of Jesus.” Another pastor declared that preaching about the prosperity and the good life that Jesus offers is more important than preaching about the cross, the blood and the suffering of Jesus Christ.
But it is a big mistake to set aside the cross, the blood, the crucifixion and the suffering of Jesus Christ and replace it with teachings on prosperity, a good life, a successful life, a happy life, a good family, nice children, good investments and good houses. It is a mistake to teach people to be millionaires instead of teaching them about Jesus Christ. Do not be impressed by backslidden pastors who preach as though they are lecturers in a secular university. Do not be impressed by smooth words and nice rhyming sayings. Smooth words are not necessarily good words (Psalm 55:21).