The Gospel Is Offensive | Day 2

“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’”  – 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

The qualities and accomplishments that get the world to notice a person are rare.  Most people don’t have a Wikipedia article written about their life (currently only 0.012% of living people in the world do). But in God’s eyes, ordinary doesn’t mean overlooked, forgotten, or insignificant. 

God calls us into His family not because of our accomplishments, but because of what Jesus has done for us. This magnifies God’s character and grace!   

Yet we are wired to want to earn our spot at the table. We want to be distinguished and praised. This is part of what makes the gospel seem foolish to so many.

The gospel is good news that starts with the bad news that we have messed up bigtime. We deserve eternal punishment and separation from God. 

Then what further offends us is that there is nothing we can do to make right our wrongs. Nothing. 

Our only hope is to trust God at His word that Jesus paid it all.

Prayer Points

• The gospel is offensive, but nothing else we do this Easter should be.  Pray that those who come to our Easter services will feel welcomed at Mercy Hill.  
• Pray for more that 650 students to attend MH College Live tonight!  
• Pray for 8,500 to attend, 1,700 to serve, and 150 to be baptized across all campuses and services this Easter.  

Easter Prayer and Fasting | Day 2 | Holy Week 2026