Christian Beliefs

"But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Gentiles foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God." (1 Corinthians 1:23-24)

Now there are three things within this scripture, I would like to focus on; two I will touch on briefly, closing with the third.

I will use these three points of reference within this scripture, with the purpose of trying to give you an understanding; to why, our Christian faith -- gives us the boldness, and courage to talk about "The Gospel of Jesus Christ."

Obviously, there are plenty more; but for this page, I will focus on the three within the featured scripture.

First you will notice, that this scripture shows that Jesus Christ was rejected by his own people. But this should not be, too much of a surprise to us; since the prophets of old had prophesied about it centuries before.

"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering." (Isaiah 53:3 - Isaiah the Eagle Eye Prophet)

And why not? Why should his own embrace the teachings of a stranger? After all, they're the children of Abraham; and the stewards of the perfect law that was given to the prophet Moses -- by the hand of God on the top of Mount Sinai. This is the traditions that they kept for centuries, before this Jesus came on the scene.

"Coming to his home town, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. 'Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?' they asked. 'Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren't all his sisters with us? Where did this man get all these things? And they took offense at him.'" (Matthew 13: 54-57)

So why the change of heart, after they were so steadfast when it came to rejecting him? What could have happen, that made a people; that were so devoted, and committed to their covenants, traditions; and ancestry -- switch and believe?

"Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call.' With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, 'Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.' Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.'" (Acts 2:38-41)

This scripture also points out, that the Gentiles (Greeks) had rejected him as well.

Now when Jesus was introduced to the Gentiles (Greeks), they too -- took his teachings as foolishness. And why not? Why should they believe, in what they saw as charms and luck? After all, it's just pure nonsense -- right? Why should they take this Jesus seriously?

This was a people who had earned the reputation, of being eloquent and wise. They had their traditions as well, and from out of them came great philosophers. They had people like: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and Demosthenes. With great minds like these, why should they listen to this person known as the Christ. And yet, something happen?

"Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly; 'We had to speak the Word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not considered yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the Word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.'" (Acts 13:46-48)

Now we have reached my final point from within this particular scripture.

Keep in mind, that the word "gospel" simply means -- Good News. The Jews and the Gentiles, were in a unique position; to witness first hand, the impact and power; of Jesus' life and earthly ministry. They were privileged, to witness the resurrection; and the ascension, of Jesus -- as He went home to be with the Heavenly Father, and sit on His right side.

"'Look,' he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'" (Acts 7:56)

They were blessed to witness the impact, and the power; of the Holy Spirit, as the apostles shared the good news of Christ, with them. Oh! How privilege they were, to witness the power of the gospel -- first hand.

I'll tell you this, in order for you to grasp this final point; you will need to have, pure faith -- when it comes to trusting in God's awesome Word. We need this type of faith, in order for us; to benefit from these conclusions that I'm about to point out.

True christian faith, will allow us to see; that the Gospel of Jesus Christ -- is definitely, a thing of power. The same power, that caused Christ disciples; to willingly give their lives for what they believed.

The same power that caused, "Saul of Tarsus" to convert from one; who murder the followers of the One True God, to Paul the Apostle; one of the greatest ambassador's, and soul winners -- that represented that same true God.

That same power, causes a child of God; to be totally devoted to delivering God's message in the face of opposition, to all four corners of the earth.

That same power, that gives a child of God; the courage and confidence to stand before a person, who's dying; and suffering from some type of affliction in their body. And stand the child of God, standing there -- with that same courage, and confidence; and pray a prayer of faith, and healing; and know, that God Almighty -- has already answered them.

That same power, that gives a child of God; the courage and strength, to be a martyr for the Gospel of Jesus Christ -- while being mocked and taunted, in the midst of dying; and suffering for what they believe.

That same power, that gives child of God; the strength to totally turn their life around -- through the renewing of their mind, and give up the temporal; and corrupt things of this world.

That same power, that would place someone who believes different from you; to look at you: as weird, or peculiar, eerie, or eccentric and still; you love God for how -- He has made you.

That same power, that causes you to be appreciative of the gifts; and talents, that your Heavenly Father has planted inside of you.

That same power, that will allow you to understand; that the reason why you are not seen as the same as the world, is because you have been transformed -- and set apart. Thanks to Jesus, you are now a child of God; and heir to the Eternal Kingdom.

Because of this transformation, you now realize; that it's an honor, and privilege -- to be made in God's likeness and image. What a priceless opportunity, to be able to exist; and play a role, no matter how small; or large -- in God's magnificent creation.

Appreciative of the gifts, that deals with salvation; and redemption, through the blood and sacrifice of our blessed Saviour. Thankful, and joyful; of God's gifts to us -- when it comes to His mercy and grace.

Recognizing, and benefiting; from the power of our spiritual guide, teacher; and comforter -- the Holy Spirit.

These are the things that the Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us. Nobody teaches these things, except the Gospel. You must understand, that the Gospel of Jesus Christ; is God's word -- which brings wisdom in abundance, into our daily lives; that's unmatched by no other.

It gives the child of God, great insight into our natural lives and beyond. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, gives us a high understanding; that constantly confounds the world's so-called greatest minds.

Understand, that Christ is the Gospel, and therefore; is the wisdom of God. The more you adhere to the teachings of Christ, the more you will be molded into what God created you to be.

This is why our Christian beliefs, gives us the faith; that empowers us, to boldly and courageously -- talk about The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Antonio L. Mitchell

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