June 30th, 2025
by William Leich
by William Leich
May 20, 2025
“Christ and Him Crucified”
“For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” —1 Corinthians 2:2 (ESV)
In a world of 30-second sound bites, Instagram stories, and endless noise, everything seems centered on the moment—what’s trending, what feels good, what benefits us now. It’s a culture shaped around self: what’s best for me, what works for my future, what makes me feel fulfilled. But ironically, that self-centered pursuit often leaves people feeling empty and longing for more.
Sadly, this same mindset has crept into the Church. Many come looking not for transformation, but for something motivational—feel-good moments with a sprinkle of spirituality. And in response, some churches have traded the power of the cross for polished presentation. Preachers and pastors have shifted the focus from the power of God to principles of prosperity, health, and self-improvement.
Paul’s words stand in sharp contrast: “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Not polished, not persuasive, not pragmatic—just Jesus. Just the cross.
He continues, “My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:4–5, ESV).
This is what we need again. Not motivational slogans or clever branding, but the raw, soul-changing power of the gospel. The message of the cross is enough. It always has been.
God’s heart for us is not always what the world would choose. It’s not even always what we would choose. John the Baptist’s life ended in prison—not with a highlight reel, but with his head on a platter. God’s best and our idea of “best” are often at odds. But His way leads to life.
The solution isn’t innovation—it’s a return. A return to preaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Maybe, just maybe, the Kingdom impact we long to see will come again the way it did through Paul: by lifting high the name of Jesus and trusting the Spirit to do what only He can do.
Reflection Question:
Where have you been tempted to trade the power of the gospel for something more polished or popular—and what would it look like to return to the simplicity of Christ and Him crucified?
Prayer:
Lord, help me resist the pull toward what sounds good but lacks power. Let my words, my preaching, and my life be anchored in the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. May Your Spirit and power do what human wisdom never could. Amen.
“Christ and Him Crucified”
“For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” —1 Corinthians 2:2 (ESV)
In a world of 30-second sound bites, Instagram stories, and endless noise, everything seems centered on the moment—what’s trending, what feels good, what benefits us now. It’s a culture shaped around self: what’s best for me, what works for my future, what makes me feel fulfilled. But ironically, that self-centered pursuit often leaves people feeling empty and longing for more.
Sadly, this same mindset has crept into the Church. Many come looking not for transformation, but for something motivational—feel-good moments with a sprinkle of spirituality. And in response, some churches have traded the power of the cross for polished presentation. Preachers and pastors have shifted the focus from the power of God to principles of prosperity, health, and self-improvement.
Paul’s words stand in sharp contrast: “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Not polished, not persuasive, not pragmatic—just Jesus. Just the cross.
He continues, “My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:4–5, ESV).
This is what we need again. Not motivational slogans or clever branding, but the raw, soul-changing power of the gospel. The message of the cross is enough. It always has been.
God’s heart for us is not always what the world would choose. It’s not even always what we would choose. John the Baptist’s life ended in prison—not with a highlight reel, but with his head on a platter. God’s best and our idea of “best” are often at odds. But His way leads to life.
The solution isn’t innovation—it’s a return. A return to preaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Maybe, just maybe, the Kingdom impact we long to see will come again the way it did through Paul: by lifting high the name of Jesus and trusting the Spirit to do what only He can do.
Reflection Question:
Where have you been tempted to trade the power of the gospel for something more polished or popular—and what would it look like to return to the simplicity of Christ and Him crucified?
Prayer:
Lord, help me resist the pull toward what sounds good but lacks power. Let my words, my preaching, and my life be anchored in the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. May Your Spirit and power do what human wisdom never could. Amen.
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