Monday, June 23, 2008
God’s Dynamite
“For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News—and not with clever speeches and high-sounding ideas, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.” (1 Corinthians 1:17)
There is explosive power in the message of the gospel, because Paul says, “It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes . . .” (Romans 1:16).
The word “power” that Paul used in this verse originates from the Greek word, dunamis. It is the same word Jesus used in Acts 1:8:
“ ‘But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power [dunamis] and will tell people about me everywhere’. . . .” The English words “dynamic,” “dynamo,” and “dynamite” are also derived from this word, dunamis.
Paul was saying that the very message of the gospel is the dynamite of God. It is the dynamic of God.
We often underestimate the raw power of the gospel in reaching even the most hardened heart. We think we need to add to it, gloss it over, or even complicate it. But there is distinct power in the simple message of the life, words, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Don’t underestimate its appeal. Don’t be ashamed of its simplicity. Don’t add to it or take away from it. Just proclaim it, and then stand back and watch what God will do.
As Paul said, “I know very well how foolish the message of the cross sounds to those who are on the road to destruction. But we who are being saved recognize this message as the very power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
The gospel is a simple message, one that we in the church have heard time and time again. But we should never underestimate its power.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org.
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The Bible says, "If any man be in Christ, he is an altogether different kind of person. Old things have passed away. Everything becomes fresh and new." That is the truth I want you and everyone who reads this book to come away with. And it is a message not just of hope, but also of Christ's redemptive power.
-Greg Laurie
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