June 24, 2019
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
by John Grimm

The cross of Christ has power.
 
It is through the cross of Christ that I gain so much.
 
For though I have been foolish, God gave me life in Jesus.
 
For when I thought I was wise, God gave me righteousness in Christ Jesus.
 
For when I thought I had everything together, God gave me sanctification through Christ.
 
For when I thought I was strong, God gave me redemption by the cross of Christ.
 
The Lord has brought me so far in this world.  Yet, God allows me to call Appalachia my home. The hills and mountains still excite my sense of wonder. The villages and cities still intrigue my sense of discovery. Whether I drive on the interstates or a backcountry road, I see people just like me. All of us need Christ Jesus.
 
Yes, the cross of Christ gets our attention. Whether it is the historic three crosses along the major highways or old wooden crosses in the church lawns along the byways, the cross of Christ has meaning for us. The cross of Jesus remains a beacon to God.
 
The cross is like a stake placed in the ground. God is saying He is with us. When we turn to God, we find abundant life. It is wise for us to recognize this truth. We also find the means to a relationship with God when we turn to God through Christ Jesus. We get to have our ways remolded into God’s ways, God’s holy ways. All the while that we turn to God, we see how deep our own person needs restoration. The question before us all is, will we turn to God through the power of the cross of Christ?