So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. -1 Corinthians 1:23 (NLT)

The depraved mind of those who have not been called by God to hear and know the gospel message is evident as discussed in 1 Corinthians 1:23. It is not just that God offers us a plan of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus, He makes a way for us to understand the offer and accept it by drawing us to Him. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. -John 6:44 (ESV)

Once our eyes our open and we see the miraculous grace shared with us by our Heavenly Father, we are free to receive it and begin to grow through it to a closer walk with Jesus and a fruitful, abundant life. This is not to say that are abundant life is filled with the things of this world, which will rust and rot and eventually fade away, but rather a life filled with the peace of mind and happiness that can only come from a solid walk with Jesus. There are many engaged in the prosperity game who teach a ‘name it and claim it’ gospel that just doesn’t hold up in the light of scripture. We shouldn’t give to “sew seeds” and plan to reap a material harvest much greater than our original gift. That’s not the point of giving to others. As children of the most high God, we should be happy to give to others in need, feeling really good about sharing the love of Jesus not just in word, but in deed! It’s not about me giving you 10 so I get a 100 back, it’s about me giving you 10 because it’s what you need.

Preaching Christ crucified means being prepared to be crucified along with Him:  I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

So, if preaching Christ crucified is nonsense, count me in. It makes much more sense than the true nonsense that is the teaching of this world.

Happy Easter to all. I pray it may have the same meaning for you as it does for me.