By Pastor Steve Nickodemus
Functionality….
You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link
“For Christ… sent me… to preach the Gospel – not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”
1 Corinthians 1:17 New International Version
When Trinity Lutheran Church Hillsboro decided to build a new worship center, there was division over what kind of building to erect. Should it mimic a cathedral-like structure with high wooden beams and pews? Or should it be more plain and functional?
As you can see from the picture, functionality won out over the more elaborate architecture. The building reflects a pragmatic, functional, mission oriented structure. The building will not win any architectural awards, but it is a solid, hard working sort of structure that “gets the job done”.
Paul says that is the way our witness and preaching should be about Jesus and the way of salvation; not eloquent or flowery, but down to earth and powerful. The message of the cross is very straightforward and hard hitting. You and I are sinners. We are lost and condemned. Our merciful Father sent His only Son into the world to save us in the only way that could save us, by His death on the cross. All who believe in Him will be saved by God’s grace, not by our eloquence or good works.
Some are offended by this message. They don’t like being called a sinner or weak or needing God. Others are repulsed by the sheer pain and cruelty of Jesus’ death on the cross. But the Good News of salvation means nothing unless we see the need for Christ’s sacrifice no matter how stark and hard that may seem.
What matters is not our accomplishments nor education nor nice manners. What matters is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who came into the world to save sinners. Let’s keep the main thing the main thing. Please don’t lose the power of the Gospel by being sidetracked into anything else but the Good News of Jesus alone!
Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado
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