Nothing but Jesus, and Him crucified

“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” - 1Corinthians 2v2

Yesterday I had the chance to be involved in a rather spirited and lively iron sharpening session on a couple of issues facing the church today. Anyone on the outside listening in might have called it an argument. At the end of the day though we ended the session with hugs and “I love you’s” and meant them sincerely. We enjoyed it and I don’t think there is anything wrong with an occasional time of fellowship like that.

When we preach and teach we are to proclaim the whole counsel of God. No doubt about that, we are instructed to do so. We are to preach on the great doctrines of the Bible, on the nature and character of God, on holy living, on the family, on relationships, on how to be a witness for Christ, and so on. If we fail in this we fail in our task.

Yet, in both of these situations there is one thing that we must never forget. As Paul wrote to Corinth he said, “I am determined not to know anything among you but Jesus and Him crucified.” Of course he did not mean that he would speak of nothing but Jesus and the cross as is evidenced by the amazing epistle of 1 Corinthians. He did mean this though, at the centre of all of his thoughts, at the focal point of his words, and at the very core of his belief system was this – “Jesus and His cross.”

Oh that we never forget Jesus and His cross no matter where we are or what we are doing. At work, at play, at home, in those “iron sharpening” session, in our classrooms, and behind our pulpits we must have a focal point – Jesus on the cross.

How could men have a “heated discussion” and leave with hugs and genuine love? How could they depart without a grudge and hurt feelings? Only one way – we have a common focal point. We have the cross.

Is the cross always before us? Is my every thought, every action, and every word I speak cross reliant?

Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend have written an amazing hymn that is an excellent reminder of Jesus, and Him crucified. The chorus goes like this:

This, the power of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.

What else do we need folks? May Jesus and Him crucified be at the centre of all we say and do.