1-2You'll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified. (The Message)
Plain and simple is how Paul presented Jesus to the Corithians. He makes a point of saying he didn't use fancy words or arguements but simply presented Jesus as the crucified and risen savior. Yes there are times when we need to be able to say more than "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so." Paul was able to speak in deep theological terms at times but he also recognized the place that was going to connect with those whom he was speaking with.
I've been told that you should be able to express your primary purpose in life in on sentence. I think Paul's purpose could be summarized as, "To preach Christ and him crucified." I recognize that my primary purpose is to leave a church for my grandchildren's children. Now it would take me quite a bit more time to tell you how I understand that purpose and how I'm trying to live it out. It might even take a day or two for me to tell you how I came to that understanding. But it is what I try to consider as I make decisions about things on a daily basis. I know that I need to be moving in that direction each and every day.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- What do you think might have been the most simple and straight forward message that Paul might have given to the Corinthians so that the might understand who Jesus was?
- In one sentence can you state what your faith is?
- Can you state what you understand your purpose in life to be in one or two sentences?
- How does your purpose in life impact the decisions that you have to make on a daily basis?
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