Have You Decided to Know Nothing but Christ Crucified?

Jamie Pantastico writes for Mesa Bible Study

by Jamie Pantastico

On August 15, 2024

‘And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.’

I Corinthians 2:1-5

 

When Paul preached to the Corinthians, he didn’t rely on eloquent speech or human wisdom. Instead, he focused solely on the core of the gospel: Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Paul intentionally avoided theological jargon and debates that often cloud the message today. He knew that the power of the gospel lay not in persuasive words but in the transformative grace of God, which he personally experienced on the road to Damascus.

 

Romans 1:16 reinforces this, stating that the gospel is “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” Paul’s message is clear: the gospel of grace, centered on Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, is sufficient. It doesn’t need embellishment or human wisdom to be effective.

 

Today, there’s too much focus on theological discussions regarding inconsequential things surrounding the gospel. Endless debates on minor issues and man-made theological constructs can distract from the simple yet profound truth of the gospel. As believers, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the unadulterated gospel with the lost, just as Paul did.

 

‘Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. ‘

II Corinthians 5:20

 

The Conclusion is that Salvation is by Faith Alone in the Gospel Alone

Thank you for reading.

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Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

“What is Not Properly Understood can “Not” be Properly Applied”

 

 

 

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

 

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Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

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Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

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When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

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What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

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What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

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What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

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Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

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Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

 

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

  1. God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
  2. The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
  3. But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-42cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?

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