I heard a news story recently about a Christian group that had set up an emergency hospital in New York’s Central Park. To some people, this is a kind and loving gesture. But the news article bemoaned the fact that the group that set up the hospital holds to traditional Christian values. And so, the article’s authors, and many in public leadership, instead of being grateful for the loving act of the believers, expressed sadness that the city would need to accept charity from such “bigots.”
The word of God has two dramatically different effects on people. Some see it as glorious and loving. Others find it stupid and hateful. And there is one basic difference that will describe how you will see it.
1 Corinthians 1:18 – For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
The word of the cross can be something you see as the glorious power of God. It can be a thing you receive as folly. What is the difference? The difference lies in whether or not you are among those being saved.
Friends, understand that the Bible is clear that those who oppose the Lord have minds darkened by sin. The Bible declares these folks to be dead in sins and trespasses. The word says they are incapable of pleasing God. And here, we see that these are going to see the word of God, not as what it is, but as folly.
However, those who are being saved by Jesus, they see the word and the standards of God as something glorious and powerful. They see the cross, not as a folly or a failure, but as a beautiful ransoming rescue.
If you see the word of God as glorious, thank God. This is not your natural bent. The only way that you can receive the word of the cross as the power of God is if God has enlightened your eyes and raised to life your dead heart. Thank god. Give him glory. And do not be surprised when the world around you thinks you have gone off the deep end.
Pastor Travis Peterson 