“But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (KJV)

The apostle Paul had been entrusted by God to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He, by proclaiming it was putting it into the hands of those who heard and received it; that it might be proclaimed eventually around the world.

The gospel of Christ is not a thing that pleases mankind.  The idea of the cross is offensive, even appalling to the flesh and mind of man’s thinking.  It is man’s only means of salvation.  There is no salvation for us except through the death on the cross of Jesus, His burial and bodily resurrection.

To think that the most guiltless, sinless, innocent man who ever lived died  in my place and in your place is either appalling, or awe-inspiring.

It has been called “The beautiful, terrible cross”.  It is beautiful because my sin debt has been paid.  It is terrible because innocence died for the guilty.

Christian, this message of the cross is yours to proclaim to all who you know.  Let us be faithful in preaching it.