October 2019

“And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:1,2

‘Keep it simple, stupid’ was something I had never heard before I took a preaching class at seminary. I’m not sure if it qualifies to be one of the true “great” preaching mantras, or leadership mantras, but it gets its point across. Dr. Haddon Robinson, my preaching professor, used to say to us homiletical plebes, things like, “If it’s foggy in the pulpit, it’s cloudy in the pews!”, or “If you can’t say it in 25 minutes, you won’t know how to say it in 45.”

I suppose he understood the beauty and power of the simple and concise word. The Apostle Paul did as well. Even though he had the education, a philosopher’s mind, and the ability to spar with the best minds of his day, he chose to speak of Christianity in simple terms: Christ crucified. He knew it was foolishness to the educated, and scandalous to the religious. But he kept it simple. He never veiled the real power of the Gospel behind eloquence or logic. Why? He knew it all hinged on the Messiah on a cross. And it wasn’t his job to convince or sway opinion—God’s Spirit was doing the miraculous work in the hearts of people.

So, we’re trying to keep it simple at the law school—where nothing seems simple. We are teaching the Scriptures at every opportunity afforded to us: one-on-one’s, couples’ Bible Course, co-ed weekly Bible Course, Chinese law students Bible Course.

And we pray—as much as we can!

So, this month, I ask that you keep it simple in your prayers:

Pray that we would be faithful in being "fools for Christ"—preaching Christ crucified—in word and in deed…
“…so that [our] faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 2:5

*Be sure to follow us on FB to learn of some of God’s work in our students!