Confidence in Christ

Apparently the People of Corinth were rough people who loved drinking and promiscuity. When Paul arrived with the message of the gospel, many people became believers. So, all these very sinful people became Christians over night, and it was up to Paul to live among them and teach them how to live as followers of Christ. After he left, he heard that many of them went back to their old ways, and this letter of 1 Corinthians is his response.

"When I came to you brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power". 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NIV)

I love this passage because it demonstrates the power of the gospel. Many times we take it upon ourselves to learn the history of the Bible, become theologically sound, be convincing, learn how to defend ourselves, and forget that the message of Jesus Christ has been saving people since the day he ascended into Heaven. Don't get me wrong, these are all great things to do, but how easy is it take our focus off of Christ? We often stumble with words and try to find the right thing to say and pass up opportunities to share our faith because we don't think we know enough yet. However, the truth is that God only asked us to go and tell.

Lets keep in mind that if we can force someone or talk them into accepting our faith, that is all they are doing: accepting our faith and not developing their own faith. How very dangerous. If we can talk them into agreeing with us, someone else can talk them out of it.

I often feel timid when God calls me to do great things for him because I don't fee like I am good enough, or this sin in my life, if people knew that, they wouldn't listen to me. I'm often afraid to share my faith because I think God can't use me... How dare I doubt God's power. It is such an honor to be called by God.

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)

So, why the silence? People in this world are yearning for answers. They are yearning for love. They are yearning for someone to tell them the truth.

I don't want to be silent anymore.