When we listen to a speaker, what causes us to believe the message and act upon it? If we are motivated to believe by fancy words or theatrics, we are probably going to regret it. We should be inspired to do something because the message itself is true.
Some people think that the Christian message is complicated, and therefore hard to believe. Sometimes this thought is derived from flashy presentations of the message. Sometimes this thought comes from observations of religious practices.
The apostle Paul spoke of the Christian gospel message differently. In I Corinthians 1:17 Paul wrote, “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” Paul spoke of the powerful message of Christ, the gospel. Its power is not in eloquent words or presentations. Its power is not in religious acts. Its power is found in God’s redeeming work at the cross of Jesus Christ. It is His shed blood that saves the sinner, by forgiving sins. It is His sacrifice that gives eternal life and justifies the sinner.
Therein lies the Christian message. Therein is the power of the gospel. It doesn’t need flashy presentation and it doesn’t require religious works. The message is simply that Christ died to save sinners.
Reluctant Retiree 