One of the great Bible passages that has helped shape my ministry as a pastor over the years -- and, especially, my preaching --  is 1 Corinthians 1:23-25. St. Paul, seeking to unify the divided Corinthian congregation, points to the very heart of the Christian message.

We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.

These inspired words of St. Paul remind us, as a church, of the core message that we are to proclaim in our community. It’s not a message that will always come across as super-convincing to those who are seeking some new and lofty spiritual wisdom. Not everyone will be willing to even consider a message about a God who was willing to be crucified. But Christ Crucified is what our faith is all about, isn’t it? Jesus died for you and me, and that alone is what makes us right with God. Christ Crucified  is the reason for our hope, and the sole means to be saved.

During this season of Lent, we focus intently on the cross of Christ, and on his sacrificial sufferings. Make time! Come to worship! Give thanks! Keep your spiritual focus on the cross, and rejoice with your fellow church members over the vital message of Christ Crucified!

Martin Luther says it well, in his explanation of the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed. We teach these words to our Confirmation students, and we adults should hang on to these words, too. This is the center of our Christian faith: Christ Crucified.

He (Jesus Christ) has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil. He did this not with gold or silver, but with his holy, precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death … (Small Catechism).

I hope to see you in church (weekends and Wednesdays), as we receive God’s gifts of grace, and celebrate this central, saving message of our faith: Christ Crucified!

Pastor Wayne Puls