“Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:21-24 NIV84)

The Jews and the Greeks of Paul’s day were no different from today’s atheist or secular humanist. To them, Christianity seems weak, passive and too spiritual. Today’s skeptic yearns for the miracle that clears all doubt and provides certainty. Into the midst of this criticism that the gospel was a stumbling block to Jews because of its weakness and foolishness to the Gentiles and because it lacked intellectual depth, Paul asserted that both Jews and Greeks were coming to the faith. They recognized that Jesus Christ was truly the power and wisdom of God. So, what is it that finally broke through and revealed to Jew and Greek alike that Christianity is more powerful and philosophically meaningful than you can imagine?

The answer to that question is Jesus. He reveals to humanity the heart, will and mind of God. He provides the answers to the questions that plague humanity. The gospel message of Jesus Christ alone answers humanity’s condition. Jesus came into the world to redeem us from our brokenness and sin by bearing those sins upon Himself and giving us His righteousness. Only Christianity answers the questions, “Why are we inclined to evil rather than good, and what can save us from that miserable cycle?” We can see in the lives of Christians all over the world the transformative power of the Gospel. We know lives that have been completely changed. The Gospel also brings healing to broken hearts and comfort to those who mourn. It provides us the certainty that death is not the end and that God can make good situations from bad through His gracious providence. The atheist and secular humanist do not have answers to any of these issues that plague us as human beings, but Christianity does. And that’s why even today atheists and secular humanists are daily converting to the Christian faith.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true wisdom and power!

Peace!

Pastor Tom