* vs 18 - those without the spirit of God inside them believe the gospel is nonsense.

* Testimony of Bill Maher.

* vs 21 - it’s not foolish to those who “believe” - faith unlocks understanding.

* vs 22-23 - it’s foolish to the Jews and nonsense to the Gentiles.

* The same boiling water that hardens the egg softens the carrot.

* We preach the gospel regardless of the response.

* Why is the cross offensive?

* 1) Because of what it says about us - we’re sinners in need of a Savior.

* 2) Because of what it says about other religions - Jesus is the “only” way.

* 3) Because of what it says about God - He is a God of love and justice - He punishes and He forgives.

* 4) Because Jesus divides humanity - He separates the wheat from the chaff.

* vs 24 - our faith leads us to the power and wisdom of God.

* Wisdom is the marriage of knowledge with understanding - and our faith w/works unites the two.

* Faith with works is our testimony - it shows how God worked through us and/or for us in a situation.