1 Corinthians 1:22-24

For while Jews [demandingly]  ask for signs and miracles and Greeks pursue philosophy and wisdom, we preach Christ (the Messiah) crucified, [preaching which] to the Jews is a scandal and an offensive stumbling block [that springs a snare or trap], and to the Gentiles it is absurd and utterly unphilosophical nonsense, but to those who are called, whether Jew or Greek (Gentile), Christ [is] the Power of God and the Wisdom of God.  1 Corinthians 1:22-24 AMP

I love this passage in the Bible.  It is so simple and clear - PREACH CHRIST CRUCIFIED!  In many of today's churches, we provide people with lots of programs, multiple avenues of entertainment, and 7 steps to a great life, but we never PREACH CHRIST CRUCIFIED!  Does anyone else see a problem with this?  So many of the churches have become nothing more than social clubs trying to help improve peoples lives with their mumble-jumble and give the people what they want.

There's a real problem with this.  The church isn't called to be a social club.  The church is to be an ambassador of Jesus Christ.  We are to be doing what He did!  We are to be doing what we see the Father doing!  We are to be ministers of reconciliation!  Jesus walked in Power and Wisdom!  We are to walk in Power and Wisdom!  Plain and simple...

If we don't PREACH CHRIST CRUCIFIED, we have no Power.  If we don't PREACH CHRIST CRUCIFIED, we have no Wisdom.  Therefore, we will make little to no impact on the world around us or in the churches.  We must display CHRIST CRUCIFIED in the church and in the world.  Now, I don't mean a picture or actual physical display, I mean our preaching, our teaching, our ministering, and our gifts must show that we walk in CHRIST CRUCIFIED and that we no longer live to ourselves but to and for Him!

This whole thing, life, isn't about us.  It's about Him!  Sure, He desires us; He seeks after us with everything He has.  Yet, when we release ourselves to Him, it's all about Him.  No matter how hard I try, I can't do it in myself.  I can't do anything of lasting good through myself.  It's Him in me, and He wants to use me and He wants to use you to PREACH CHRIST CRUCIFIED, to live CHRIST CRUCIFIED, to breath CHRIST CRUCIFIED!  He wants me and He wants you to display the Power of God and speak the Wisdom of God through CHRIST CRUCIFIED!

The signs, the wonders, the miracles all come with a life that lives CHRIST CRUCIFIED.  The knowledge and wisdom that we need to live life victoriously, practically and spiritually, come with a life that lives CHRIST CRUCIFIED.  It seems strange; it seems like it's all a load of absurd and ridiculous talk.  I understand this, but what I understand more is that nothing that man can do or say, or learn and study outside of Jesus will ever compare to the vast Power and Wisdom found in Him!

Scriptures for reference and study: John 14:12; John 9:4; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; 2 Corinthians 5:15