Lesson 1 - Overview
Question 4
The Cross – offers wisdom and the power of God to save those who believe.
The world – offers foolishness, unable to know God.
When Paul came to the Christians at Corinth, he had only one message:
"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. (2) For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:1-2 NKJV)
Paul only had this one message and applied that message of the Gospel (Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection) to all of life. That message of "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" was not in words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. (1 Corinthians 2:4) Why? So, your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:5).
The power of God to live the Christian life is found in the Gospel.
Through this message of the Gospel, we also receive the Holy Spirit when we believe.
How do we receive the Holy Spirit?
Now let's go back to what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit:
"On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified." John 7:37-39 (NKJV)
4. According to John 7:37-39, what happens to the person who comes and believes in Jesus?