unity in the cross

Good morning friends,
Paul moves from greeting right to one of his main concerns about the life of the Corinthian church. He warns them of the dangers of division within the community. In this case it seems like people were divided because they identified themselves by the teacher who had led them to Christ. Paul argues that the point is never the teacher or leader they know best; the point is always Christ. For that reason Paul says he's grateful he didn't baptize many in that community so that people won't identify themselves with him. Instead, Paul's message there was about proclaiming the gospel. Paul even says that he didn't use eloquent words because even that can distract from the power of the cross. The cross of Jesus is the center of our good news, because God loves us so much that Jesus endured death on the cross to bring us home to God. When the church keeps the cross at the center of its ministry, we stay on track. When we don't, it's much easier to fall into division over different issues or priorities.

God bless,
Sam

1 Corinthians 1:10-18

10Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. 11For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. 12What I mean is that each of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." 13Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?


14I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. 16(I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 17For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. 18For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.