The Daily Light -- October 1, 2007

The Daily Light – October 1, 2007
Monday Worship Meditation:  Worship is Christ Centered
A weekday email devotion from Pastor Christopher Jackson
Saint John's Lutheran Church, Lexington, KY
Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Georgetown, KY

 I Corinthians 2:2 (ESV):  For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Paul's situation in the church at Corinth was a unique one in which it was necessary for him to confine his preaching wholly to the subject of Jesus Christ's death on the cross, the sacrifice for our sinfulness which has earned for us eternal life when He returns.

While it was unique that he would limit his preaching to this one subject, this makes clear that this subject is the center and goal of all preaching and all worship.

These days it is fashionable to preach about everything but Christ's death on the cross.   Books by popular and much followed pastors tell us that this subject is offensive and puts people off.  Therefore, they say, our preaching and worship should only infrequently discuss what Paul indicates is the center of our faith.  Listen to the sermons that come from their pulpits or stages, and Christ's death is not proclaimed.  Listen to the songs that come from their ensembles, and often only the faintest hint is given about Christ's work on the cross.

May God preserve us and protect us from such things, and by the Holy Spirit cause us to lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim, until all the world adore His sacred name.

 Let us pray:  Holy Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit you caused Paul to preach the crucifixion of Christ for the forgiveness of sins.  Make this the center of our worship, that some might be saved.  Through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.  Amen.

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