“For 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 (1 Cor. 1:17 NRSVUE).
Embodying the Love of God and Reflecting His Message
The cross stands as a beacon of hope, a symbol of the outflowing and generous love of God. In times of darkness, this message grows ever more vital, a light piercing through uncertainty and despair. We are preachers, congregants, and followers of Christ. We are called not only to proclaim this truth. We must also embody it in the manner of our communication and in the texture of our lives. In this second part of our exploration, we delve deeper into the life-changing power of the cross. We reflect on the Gospel’s invitation to all. We consider its implications for our worship, relationships, and public witness.
The Embodied Message of the Cross
Preaching the cross is an act of love. It demands direct, personal communication that mirrors the very nature of God’s love—a love that embraces, heals, and transforms. We may find ourselves constrained by the realities of our present circumstances. Still, we find the words to say through prayer. Meditation on the light of the cross also provides the wisdom to discern what our congregations most need to hear. The cross offers us a lens to view the challenges of our times. It guides us in our mission. We are guided to bring hope and clarity to those in need.
The Open Invitation of the Gospel
At its core, the Gospel is an invitation extended to all. It exemplifies the radical inclusivity of Jesus. He welcomed everyone regardless of status, background, or past. Jesus offered them the opportunity to be transformed by His grace. This truth must be a hallmark of our ecclesial practices. Our worship and community life should consistently point to the expansive love of God.
Prof. Wright’s reflections on the early Christian community in Corinth offer a powerful reminder of this principle. When the Corinthians gathered around the Lord’s table, some neglected to honor the inclusivity of the Gospel. They overlooked the outsiders in their midst. This neglect, a failure to reflect the life-changing welcome of Christ, had profound consequences for their communal life. As we reflect on this, we must consider how our own practices and attitudes might similarly exclude or marginalize others. How do we treat those who come to us seeking solace, community, and truth? Are we signposting the Gospel’s message of radical grace and inclusion, or are we unwittingly erecting barriers to its reception?
Walking by the Spirit in Uncertain Times
Faith is a journey. It is a path that begins with our initial encounter with the love of Christ. It continues as we walk by the Spirit. Along this journey, we are called to work out what it means to follow Jesus wisely and faithfully. We must do this within the context of our lived experiences. It also includes our corporate expressions of faith. This process is dynamic. It requires us to transition from a faith shaped by certainties. We must move to one that embraces the mysteries of God.
We must turn to Scripture to navigate these uncertainties. It serves not merely as a source of answers, but as a space for meditation. It is also a place for dialogue and growth. Together, as a community, we can address the complexities of faith. The Spirit guides us toward a deeper understanding. This understanding helps us embody the truths of the Gospel in our daily lives.
Ecclesial Rhythms and Contemporary Questions
The exploration of Scripture often brings us into contact with the specific cultural and historical contexts of the Biblical narrative. The Apostle Paul’s teachings on head coverings in 1 Corinthians illustrate first-century church dynamics. They offer insights into its social and theological aspects. The specifics of that context may seem distant. Yet, the underlying tensions between men and women and between cultural expectations and theological convictions remain relevant today.
By examining such passages, we are invited to reflect on how these dynamics play out in our contemporary settings. How do we foster relationships within the church? These relationships should honor the created order. They should also reflect the unity and equality found in Christ. How can we handle the ongoing tensions and questions about gender, power, and inclusion? We must do this while remaining faithful to the Gospel’s message of grace and truth.
Paul’s Vision of the Christian Community
As we return to Paul’s exhortations to the Corinthians, we find a call to be a community. This community mirrors the broad and inclusive love of God. This love, as Paul reminds us, knows no boundaries. It extends to Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female, rich and poor. It is a love that dismantles divisions and unites all under the lordship of Christ.
This vision challenges us to reconsider how we view ourselves and one another. Are we living as a community that reflects this divine love? Are we addressing the inequalities and injustices within our own congregations and broader society? In doing so, we honor Paul’s teachings. We also become a living testament to the hope and reconciliation offered through the cross.
Hope and Strength Through Faith
In the midst of darkness, the cross shines as a source of hope and strength. It is a reminder of God’s unchanging love and His promise to redeem and restore all things. As we preach the cross, we engage in this redemptive work. Living out its message offers a glimpse of the Kingdom of God to a world in desperate need of hope.
May we, like the early Christians, be transformed by the welcome of Christ. May we extend that same welcome to others, inviting them into the life-changing embrace of the Gospel. May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we may abound in hope.
Conclusion: A Community Shaped by the Cross
In these dark times, preaching the cross is both a challenge and a sacred privilege. It calls us to embody the love of God. We are encouraged to extend the open invitation of the Gospel. We must wrestle with the uncertainties of faith together as a community. Through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Spirit, we are equipped to live out this calling. We offer hope and strength to one another. We also extend hope and strength to the world.
Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 