One Preacher Who Matters
Read it for me
Cliff's voice
Angela's voice
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you … each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? … For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
1 Corinthians 1:10, 12–13, 17
It is both encouraging and discouraging to learn that church conflict is as old as the church itself. Discouraging, of course, because we'd like to believe there was a golden age of the church, when everyone loved each other well and put Jesus at the center of their lives. But encouraging, too, in an ironic way, because it reminds us that whatever strife we're experiencing today, it's nothing new to God.
The church in Corinth almost immediately threatened to split into factions. The lines were drawn by favorite preachers and apostles: Paul, Apollos, and Cephas (that is, Peter). Does that sound familiar? We split into our own factions today around our favorite preachers and authors. The names are different, but the result is the same: a divided church and a watered-down message.
Paul reminds us that there is only one Preacher who truly matters. The One who didn't just preach about the kingdom of God but brought it near. The One who didn't just tell us about our sins but died on a cross to pay for them. Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who puts an end to our divisions and back-biting and quarreling.
Walk it out this week: catch yourself mid-sentence every time you start to say "I follow so-and-so," and finish it with Christ instead.
Adapted from The Ancient Path: A 40-Day Journey Through the Book of 1 Corinthians, written by Ancient Path staff writer Chris Pappalardo.
Prefer to hear it in Angela's voice? Listen here.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the only Preacher who died for me. Forgive me for the ways I divide Your people over lesser names. Make me a peacemaker this week, and let every "I follow" in my life end with You. Amen.