The Apostle Paul was a simple man. To the Corinthians he said that he had decided that he would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the One who was crucified. He came to them in weakness, timid and trembling. His message and preaching was very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches he relied only on the Holy Spirit.

Paul was not an attractive man; he did not draw crowds because he looked good . When he spoke he was blunt and to the point so people did not gather around him for his charismatic character. It is thought that he may have had a physical deformity, so his appearance may have caused people to avoid him.

He was not a big shot preacher. If he were here today he probably would not be invited to speak at the annual preaching conference nor would he be appearing at the denominational convention. And yet this simple man, while he was in chains, had the opportunity to stand before kings and governors and preach Christ and Him crucified.

It is true, Paul did not have a church growth plan, but everywhere He went strong churches grew. He did not have a disciple making plan, but his disciples took the Gospel into all the world. He was not a dynamic preacher but his preaching is still impacting the world today.

Paul was an intelligent and highly educated man, but for him it was the foolishness of the cross and not the wisdom of man that was important. He gladly poured out His life for the Gospel and counted it a privilege to suffer for the Savior.

This is my challenge to all of you. I hope you understand that the just shall live by faith. You must never be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, because it is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe. The scandal of the Cross is our only hope of eternal life.

To the preacher who wishes to please God I say this; put away the how to preach books. Throw away that resume that you planned to send to the bigger church. Stand wherever you are and preach with the power of the Holy Spirit. Understand this, your purpose and goal is to take the Gospel into all the world and it is not human wisdom but the power of God that will save the souls of men.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

From Down Where the Pavement Ends

email-pavementendsministry@gmail.com