“¹⁷ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 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.” 1 Corinthians 1:17-18

It is the business of the church to preach the Gospel, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified, not a vain attempt to save society.  To toil and labor in the world in order to save society is futile and quite frankly a waste of one’s time and money.  Now that I have your attention, please allow me a moment to explain.

“³ But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: ⁴ In whom the god of this world (satan) has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the Light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-4.

The god of this worldly system is satan and in our own efforts, we cannot overthrow the devil.  There is a teaching making the rounds (NAR, 7 Mountains, Government of 12) which states that Believers are going to usher in the Kingdom.  I’m not exactly sure what those who teach this error do with the entire Book of Revelations but nonetheless, they are probably one of the fastest growing cults under the banner of “Christianity” today.

Back to the subject at hand, if this world’s system belongs to the devil, it’s effectiveness must be according to the number of Saints and their consecration to the Lord…to Jesus Christ, Who He is and what He has done.  The Light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ pierces the darkness and the darkness comprehends it not.  Satan’s system is less effective among the Light of the Gospel, yet it will quickly devour the chaff of the sincere but fruitless works of God’s Children.

“¹⁶ But rise, and stand upon your feet: for I have appeared unto you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of these things which you have seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto you; ¹⁷ Delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send you, ¹⁸ To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me.” Acts 26:16-18

On the road to Damascus, the Apostle Paul was sent to minister unto the gentiles; to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light.  Until the heart is changed in the individual person by the preaching of the Cross of Christ anointed by the Holy Spirit which brings the conviction necessary to draw the lost, the devil’s worldly system will continue to dominate and the sincere efforts of those who truly love the Lord, will be fruitless.

“⁴ And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: ⁵ That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:4-5

Now, if what you just gleaned from this writing is we should not help others, then I have said it poorly.  It is the business of the church to preach, teach and declare to a lost and dying world the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified, not attempt to save society or the community by civic works.  In 1 Timothy 5 the church is exhorted to take care of their own…their own widows and their own brethren, not society.  As the Light of the Gospel is shed among the community, the work of the devil is less effective and those who were once bound by satan turn from darkness to light and become productive members of their community themselves as they begin to walk in the Will and the precepts of God.  Again, we are certainly supposed to take care of our own according to 1 Timothy 5.

As previously stated, if this world’s system belongs to the devil, which it does, it’s effectiveness must be according to the number of Saints and their consecration to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Satan’s effectiveness is not hindered by our sincerity but our sincerity is in fact hindered by his effectiveness as he distracts the Believer from doing what we are commissioned to do…spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the four corners of the world.

“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2

-Donna Clark Warren