Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." The message of the cross is "moria", in Greek literally “foolishness” or “absurdity” (from which we get “moron”) — to those who are perishing. To unbelievers, a crucified Messiah is nonsense; it offends human wisdom and pride. “Them that perish” = those who reject the gospel; they are spiritually blind (2 Cor 4:4) and on the path to eternal judgment. “Us which are saved” (literally “being saved”) = believers undergoing the whole process of salvation: already justified, presently being sanctified, and awaiting future glorification. To us, the cross is not weakness but the power of God — the decisive display of divine wisdom and might, supremely proven in Christ’s resurrection. What the world counts as folly and shame is actually God’s chosen means to save and transform His people. We see the cross as the blazing power of God and ...

1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." Jesus’ death and resurrection were God’s eternal plan, settled before the foundation of the world (Rev 13:8; 1 Pet 1:19–20; Eph 1:4). He chose us in Christ—not because we deserved it, but purely by His grace and good pleasure. Everything—every promise, every mercy, every moment of history—centers on one Person: Jesus. His cross. His empty tomb. His glory. From eternity past to eternity future, it has always been all about Him. When we grasp this, the cross is transformed. What the world sees as weakness and shame becomes, to us, the blazing power of God and the most beautiful symbol of freedom and salvation ever given—our greatest reason for unending thanks. Praise the Lord!