This past Sunday Rocky Hovda filled in for Pastor Chris (Thank you Rocky!!) and invited us to consider the first method for maintaining Christian Unity as described by the Apostle Paul in the opening chapters of First Corinthians. The Cross of Christ is a symbol that holds a drastically different meaning for believers than it does for nonbelievers. To a nonbeliever, the cross is simply the dominant symbol of the Christian religion. A moniker of identification. For some, the cross may actually take on the qualities of an idol or a good luck charm. To Paul’s original audience, the cross was a powerful symbol of salvation representing Christ’s victory and God’s unfailing love and mercy. However, this symbol held a very different meaning for the prevailing culture. For them, the symbol of Roman crucifixion was a foolish symbol to express religious devotion. The symbol would not convey unity, but rather dominance and subjugation. Central to the Cross’ impact on Christians for the purpose of unity is the reminder that for Jesus-followers, Christ’s humility, sacrifice, and mercy are the foundation which the Church builds upon. Christ crucified - the one atoning sacrifice made so all humanity will be reconciled and all who put their faith in Jesus Christ will be saved.
This week, we will continue to explore 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 as we consider the second method for maintaining Christian unity, the central necessity of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit led discernment necessary for the Christian Church to move forward in unity as we seek to know and participate in God’s will for God’s Church.