I'd Like You To Meet a Friend of Mine

"For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Cor 1:17-18

The Gospel is an announcement and an introduction not a call to behavioral change, philosophy or social affiliation.

Paul didn't want his name associated with the message. He was glad that few could make the claim, 'I was baptized by the great Apostle.'

He also makes sure to define the fact that the message is not some self help trend. It is not a fad or a movement cleverly designed by men.

This makes no sense to a dying man. He wants a fix or a self help group or some claim to fame that will outlast him.

But, To those that need a Savior the Gospel is power. It is the stripping away of the seen to reveal the unseen. It is not surface it is Love. It is not a sympathetic gesture it is mercy expressed that saves and causes change.

'Here is Jesus. Would you like to meet Him? He is not aloof like other Kings are. He is knocking on the door of your life and He want to sit and eat with you. You don't need to supply the meal. He has that covered. No need to clean the house before He enters. He will handle that also.'

The Gospel says that what was in the way is now out of the way. It has been blotted out and covered. There is no need to be on the run from authority because of transgressions. Jesus took the bullet and paid the fine.

The gospel doesn't ask us to join anything or do anything. It makes us aware of something great and introduces us to the Great One.

If we let Jesus be our friend He will be our friend forever. People will die, fail us us and leave us. Jesus never will. Programs and trends will change like diets and fashion. The Gospel is the same. Always new. Those doors are always unlocked and have a light on for the weary travelers to turn into and find rest.