The Preacher's Determination

"I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." I Corinthians 2:2

Paul was a preacher with one subject - Jesus Christ and him crucified. Christ not only in the deity and glory of his person; but also as crucified; in the shame of his sufferings and the power of his substitution, was the one theme Paul determined to proclaim. Paul said, I will boast of him whom others despise.

"Christ crucified" is the sum of the gospel, and all the riches of it. Paul was so taken up with Christ, that nothing sweeter could drop from his lips or pen. It has been observed that he used the name, "Jesus", five hundred times in his epistles.

"Christ crucified" is the one thing my hearers need, and the one thing I am determined to preach. I know nothing of religious traditions or philosophical wisdom. Whether among the rich and well educated, or the poor and illiterate, I am determined to know nothing but "Christ crucified". I pray that my preaching may not be with the persuasive words of man's wisdom, "but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power."

Don Fortner