The Very Power of God
“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 1:18
Sung in Long Meter (L.M.), to the tune of “Woodworth” or “Old One Hundreth.” Familiar hymns sung to Woodworth and Old One Hundreth are “Just as I Am” and “Doxology” respectively.
The Very Power of God
by Jon Cardwell
L.M. 8.8.8.8
To preach of Christ’s atoning death
Is foolishness to those condemn’d;
Yet unto us whom God hath sav’d
Christ’s cross, the very pow’r of God!
Carnal wisdom will God destroy
As it is written in His Word;
He’ll bring to naught their prudent view
And humble all their logic too.
Where is the wise? Where is the scribe?
Where are contentious worldly ones?
Has God not made them all like fools,
Because their wisdom’s of the world?
Offensive to religious ones
And foolish to great intellect;
The preaching of the cross of Christ;
The truth that’s scoff’d and ridicul’d.
Christ th’ crucifi’d Savior and King
When preach’d the call’d respond to God;
Wheth’r Jew or Greek or who you are
Christ’s cross, the very pow’r of God!
Wisdom of men cannot compare
With th’ least of God’s most minor thoughts;
Men’s strength is most frail to Him—
Christ’s cross, the very pow’r of God!
Not many wise or mighty’re call’d
Neither are men of noble birth;
Th’ weak and fools confound the wise—
Christ’s cross, the very pow’r of God!
Oh, the power, the melting, conquering, transforming power of that dear cross of Christ! My brethren, we have but to abide by the preaching of it, we have but constantly to tell abroad the matchless story, and we may expect to see the most remarkable spiritual results. We need despair of no man now that Jesus has died for sinners. With such a hammer as the doctrine of the cross, the most flinty heart will be broken; and with such a fire as the sweet love of Christ, the most mighty iceberg will be melted. We need never despair for the heathenish or superstitious races of men; if we can but find occasion to bring the doctrine of Christ crucified into contact with their natures, it will yet change them, and Christ will be their king.
