Category: What do you think?

The Gospel: Power and Wisdom for the Believer

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JEFF TURNER

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is far more than words; it is the power of God and the wisdom of God to those who are called and saved (1 Corinthians 1:24). This truth is not just intellectual but deeply experiential. If you have been called by God, you know it in your heart. There are times of doubt when faith may waver, yet the believer ultimately finds assurance in Christ’s grasp, not in their hold on Him.

The Gospel transforms lives with undeniable power. Like a mighty hand, it frees us from the bondage of sin and brings us into the liberty of Christ. It is this power that compels missionaries to leave all they know, ministers to risk their lives for the sick, and ordinary believers to show extraordinary courage and love in the face of trials. The cross of Christ fuels their strength and devotion.

Consider the steadfastness of martyrs who, even in the flames, declare, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” Or the serene faith of a dying believer who whispers hymns of trust in Christ. What sustains them in such moments? It is the Gospel—the power of God unto salvation.

Yet the Gospel is not only powerful but wise. It is a divine plan where justice and mercy meet, revealing mysteries that surpass human understanding. For the believer, it becomes the foundation for all learning and wisdom. When Christ is at the center, everything else finds its rightful place.

Let us examine our hearts: do we belong to those who reject Christ, calling His message foolishness? Or are we among the called, who know and experience the Gospel’s power and wisdom?

The Gospel: Triumph in Calling and Grace

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JEFF TURNER

The Gospel, though often rejected, holds a triumphant power that cannot be stopped. As the Scriptures declare, “Unto us who are called, both Jews and Greeks, it is the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). Though many mock and dismiss it, God’s Word never fails. His promise stands firm: “My word shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please” (Isaiah 55:11).

Christ’s sacrifice will never be in vain. If some reject the Gospel, others will embrace it. Heaven will not be lessened by opposition or unbelief. For every soul that resists, there are others who are called and saved. This calling is not by human effort but by the work of God Himself.

The call of God is twofold. There is a general call, like a bell summoning everyone, and a special, personal call, meant only for His children. The general call goes out to all, but the special call is irresistible and effectual. When Jesus calls a person by name, as He did Mary and Zaccheus, the response is immediate and life-changing.

This special call breaks the hardest hearts and draws sinners to Christ. It is the power of God at work, transforming lives in ways no human persuasion could achieve. Have you heard His call? If so, it is His grace working in you, drawing you to salvation, and ensuring that His triumph is complete.

Why Do People Reject the Gospel?

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JEFF TURNER

It’s surprising to think that people reject the Gospel, a message of love and salvation from God. You might assume everyone would eagerly embrace such a gift. Instead, history shows that many scorned it, even opposing Jesus Himself and His followers. From the early days when Christ was crucified to the persecution of His disciples, rejection has been a common response to the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” (1 Corinthians 1:23). This verse highlights two groups of people who struggled to accept the Gospel: those tied to religious traditions and those devoted to worldly wisdom.

For some, like the ancient Jews, religious rituals and traditions overshadowed the Gospel’s truth. They found it difficult to believe in a Messiah who challenged their customs and came from humble beginnings. Modern parallels exist, as many people focus on religious rules or church attendance but neglect a true relationship with Christ. Faith becomes about outward appearances, not heart transformation.

Others dismiss the Gospel as foolishness. Like the Greeks of old, who valued philosophy and human reasoning, many today see faith as irrational. They accept every belief as valid or reject all spirituality outright, finding no place for the Bible’s message of grace and salvation.

This rejection of the Gospel reveals the unchanged nature of the human heart. Whether through pride in religion or reliance on intellect, people continue to resist God’s offer of grace. The challenge is clear: to set aside our own understanding and humbly accept Christ as Savior. Only then can we find true peace and hope for eternity.

Will you accept the message of the cross, or let it be a stumbling block to your soul?

The Power of Humble Faith in the Gospel

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JEFF TURNER

Christ calls His army, not with mighty warriors, but with humble fishermen—ordinary people who confound the wisdom of the world. These men, with the power of God, would challenge the philosophies of their time and plant the Gospel in the hearts of nations. Though the message of Christ crucified might seem foolish to some, it stands as a beacon of truth, exalted above all else (1 Corinthians 1:23-24).

This Gospel has been carried on by successors of the apostles, not through bloodlines but through God’s call to preach. Preaching Christ and Him crucified means proclaiming clear biblical truths, such as justification by faith, the sovereignty of God, and His unchanging love. It is not about human philosophy or vague teachings but about the power and wisdom of God revealed through Christ.

The Gospel divides people into those who reject it and those transformed by its truth. To the called, it is the power of salvation and the wisdom of God, triumphing over all opposition.

The Folly of Worldly Wisdom

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JEFF TURNER

What does God think of human wisdom? The Bible shows us that He has exposed its limitations and folly. Humanity, boasting in its intellect, claimed it could find and understand God completely. God allowed this wisdom to operate freely, giving it the vast universe to study and thousands of years to discover Him. Yet, despite having the stars, earth, and life as evidence of His power and nature, worldly wisdom failed.

The ancient world, instead of finding God, fell into deep moral decay. People worshipped idols—blocks of wood and stone—while engaging in vile practices. Instead of honoring the Creator, they exalted vices and called them religion. Human reasoning, when left to itself, revealed its depravity, proving its inability to discover God or true worship.

God, in His wisdom, chose a different path to reveal Himself—not through human intellect, but through the “foolishness” of preaching. As Scripture declares, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25). True understanding comes not from prideful reasoning but from humble, child-like faith in Him.