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So much of the world makes fun of the cross that it’s comforting to know it’s not really foolishness after all.

BibleGateway: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

ESV Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31


KJV Text:

The section starts at about 2:7 and ends at about 3:52

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18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.(KJV)


Hymn: TLH 354:
In the Cross of Christ I Glory

— Organ Audio

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1. In the Cross of Christ I glory, 
Towering o’er the wrecks of time. 
All the light of sacred story 
Gathers round its head sublime. 

2. When the woes of life o’ertake me, 
Hopes deceive, and fears annoy, 
Never shall the Cross forsake me; 
Lo, it glows with peace and joy. 

3. When the sun of bliss is beaming 
Light and love upon my way, 
From the Cross the radiance streaming 
Adds more luster to the day. 

4. Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure, 
By the Cross are sanctified; 
Peace is there that knows no measure, 
Joys that through all time abide.