THE POWER OF THE CROSS. The symbol, the sign are insignificant. They are without merit. Too often we are prone to place our hope and faith in things which are material. Instead, it is the Spiritual substance, the reason behind the cross, and the action taken on the cross, that has meaning and effect in human lives. The power of the cross is found in THE WORD OF THE CROSS, the message of the cross. Its voice sounding forth the declaration of redemption by blood. From the beginning of the Old Testament to the conclusion of the New, the positive word of Atonement by the blood of sacrifice is proclaimed. Amazingly, the very blood of God Himself, is to be the only acceptable offering. The source of blood, in the babe, originating from the Father of the child. 1 Cor. 1:18 The preaching of the cross was to be in simplicity, a message easy to understand. It was not to be designed to manifest the intelligence of the messenger or his cleverness in the manipulation of words. Paul established an example by deliberately preaching an uncomplicated message void of the persuasive words of the wisdom of man. In their place he used the instrument of the Spirit which is far more effective. The demonstration of the Spirit and power of God. How much more prevailing is the working of the Holy Spirit in the life of those who hear the glorious message of redemption by the blood of the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 2:4 Even so, his ministry to the church was not one of stupidity or of foolishness. It was not light and frivolous, but with the wisdom of the Lord Himself. The Spirit of revelation rested upon the early church making known to them the mysteries of the Lord. Because of a maturity of Spirit and Word they were able to receive and comprehend the hidden things of the Lord. There is yet much that will be made known by the Spirit of the Lord as He reveals, to the church, His Divine purposes for the end of the age. We will see and we will comprehend those things that He has prepared for us. We need not step outside of the Word of the Lord for revelation. We have not yet exhausted the workings of the Lord for His church. There is so much more to come as we draw closer to Him. 1 Cor. 2:4-9
THE GREAT DESIRE OF THE HEART OF THE APOSTLE PAUL. Above all he wanted the < POWER OF CHRIST > to rest upon him. < TO PITCH A TENT OVER AND DWELL ON ME > Amplified Ver. To have that glorious thrill of the closeness of His presence is most desirable. 2 Cor. 12:9 Is that not the cry and longing of every Christian heart? Becoming a source of the mighty power of the Lord. To be a vessel fit for the masters use. It may be that the method used by the Lord is not exactly that which we would desire. Paul was willing to accept his thorn in the flesh and his own weakness in order to receive the power of the Lord. It is obvious that there is a great measure of the power and strength of the Lord that can only become operable when the natural ability of man is set aside. With this knowledge Paul took great pleasure in the adversities that came his way. He was to see the hand of the Lord in every reversal which assailed him, and rejoiced in them. His attitude enabled him to tolerate every rejection he met. More than that he rejoiced in them, knowing that each and every trial brought him into a closer relationship with the Lord. There is something about this, which presents another side of the Christian life that is seldom talked about. 2 Cor. 12:10
ONE OF THE AMAZING THINGS ABOUT JESUS. Periodically the fact that He was man as well as God is exposed. One of such is recorded in Hebrews the fifth chapter and the eighth verse. He learned obedience. Would we expect the Son of God to have to be educated in the ways of obedience? In eternity He was obedient, there was no rebellion in Him. His willingness to come into this world was one exceptional act of obedience. Yet, the human nature which He possessed required surrender and submission to His Father. If this were true with Him, how much more is it a lesson that we must learn? By means of the many avenues whereby He suffered He was brought to perfection and became the author of salvation for all who OBEY HIM. Heb. 5:9