Sorry its been a while...

I read 1 Corinthians the other day; chapters 1 and 2. A verse in Chapter 2 really began to make me think about my ministry [not only here in Dar es Salaam, but my life's ministry(ies) in general].

   "For I am determined to know nothing among you 

except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."

                                     -1 Corinthians 2:2

So Paul, writing to the crazy church in Corinth, just gets done telling the people to be united and without division in the Church. Then he says, you know what else guys, I don't even care about all that other crap- not one bit. Because I AM DETERMINED to know NOTHING among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I think this says a whole lot about the way the church ought to look, but it also speaks to the way I need to relate to people. Do I always keep the gospel of Christ central?

 In chapter 1, Paul tells the people not to be divided because the things that were causing strife were pretty trivial, and in some respects took glory from Jesus Christ. So when we get caught up in lame crap that really doesn't matter, it robs Christ of glory that is due to Him and elevates our "wisdom" and ways of doing things to a place that it does not  and cannot deserve. (1:18-25 says much about our wisdom... or lack thereof).

So, for me, when I begin to dwell on ways that I can be more appealing, and relevant to more people, is that really what I need to do? .... maybe, maybe not.....Is a trendy production required for the gospel? Apparently not- but I do love them. I thoroughly enjoy leading worship in a packed out room with all the lights and video screens and  as many super cool things as I can get my hands on. And I think God is cool with that. A laser show can glorify God. But I know in my life, sometimes I find myself getting caught up in all the shuffle, and I lose focus of the gospel. 

I have been reminded of this often lately, and  repeatedly been encouraged to remember this one simple truth, That whether recording a new cd, serving in Africa, leading a Bible study of 4 guys in Americus, GA, or a ministry to people who like chocolate, this truth must be always central:

I am a sinner; always by nature and  far too often by choice.

I have rebelled and strayed from my creator, and offended Him to the nth degree.

I am deserving ONLY of Hell eternal, and nothing more.

BUT 

I have been loved supremely. 

God sent Jesus who knew no sin, to become mine.

He was scorned and rejected by men; and killed.

However, He was raised from the dead, and was not defeated. 

He was bruised, but sin, He crushed. 

I am saved by God given faith, and grace that will never end.

By no merit of my own, only by the blood of Jesus Christ. 

Therefore, I must make up my mind to know nothing among anyone, except Jesus Christ, and the fact that he was crucified because I was helpless to get out of my sin apart from Him.  I am very guilty of the opposite far too often. 

It is my prayer that I will always desire to preach the gospel and KEEP it central. If I am to boast in anything, let me boast in the cross of Jesus Christ. 

Peace,

JOel