FOOLS FOR CHRIST

“The doctrine of Christianity in its own native excellency lays the axe to the root of every sin and defiles all who participate in wickedness.

Christ's followers were as simple in their intellect as they were in worldly sophistication. But this was what confounded their enemies, who recognized that these poor men could personally contribute no more to the success that followed them than the blowing on rams' horns did to the flattening of Jericho's walls or the sounding of Jehoshaphat's musical instruments to the routing of formidable enemies. There is only one explanation-- the breath of God caused them to sound the trumpet of the gospel; and His sweet spirit humbled the hearts of their hearers.

Their message was not only strange and new, but contrary to man's corrupt nature. It contained nothing to please the sinner's lust. Christianity is easily embraced if it is presented in a whore's dress, with its purity adulterated. But the doctrine of Christianity in its own native Excellency lays the axe to the root of every sin and defies all who participate in wickedness.

This may make us step aside-- as Moses did at the burning bush-- to see a doctrine believed and embraced that is pure nonsense to carnal reason, teaching us to be saved by another's righteousness. Indeed reason brings a wide gulf of objection against the doctrine of trusting Christ to deliver from sin and Satan; yet multitudes of believers through the ages have come and offered themselves to it under baptism, even as soldiers seal their enlistment with an oath.

If the Word had promised favor of kings or places of honor we would not be surprised to see so many turn to Christianity. But the gospel, which the disciples preached, did not come with a single bribe in its hand; no golden apples were thrown along the path to entice sinners. Christ tells His disciples not to stoop or take up crowns for their heads but a cross for their backs: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16:24)."

Quoted material from, ”The Christian in Complete Armour Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare” by Gurnall and James S Bell. http://www.moodypublishers.com/pub_productDetail.aspx?id=41823&pid=53617