ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
DCLM Daily Manna
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Nothing But Christ Crucified
KEY VERSE
“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).
Bible Reading:
1 Corinthians 2:1–5 (KJV)
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
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.
MESSAGE
Every day, we need to pause and pray that the Lord will strip away our tendencies to promote ourselves in ministry, and the inclination to depend on ourselves, our words, and other gimmicks that we think will make people accept the gospel. The faith of people who are won by human ingenuity rests on men’s wisdom rather than God’s power. Such faith, built on arguments, often focuses on personalities and is fragile. A faith born of the Spirit is enduring. Even so, we must lean on the Holy Spirit and keep our eyes fixed on the cross so that our lives can echo Paul’s words: nothing but Christ crucified.
The city of Corinth was a melting pot of cultures, philosophies, and religious ideas. Within such intellectual pluralism, rhetoric and human wisdom were highly valued. Orators dazzled their audiences with polished speeches and clever arguments, much like modern-day motivational speakers and influencers who persuade with style more than substance. Paul, however, chose a radically different path in presenting the gospel. He came not as a philosopher or rhetorician but as a witness whose message was centred solely on the crucified Christ.
Paul’s determination not to know anything among his hearers, except “Jesus Christ, and him crucified”, summarises his entire theology and approach to ministry. It is both a declaration of his personal resolve and a lesson on how the gospel is to be proclaimed and received, not with human eloquence, but through the Spirit’s power. Paul’s resolve wasn’t born from a lack of intellect, given that he was one of the most learned men of his time. But he knew something deeper: Christ’s cross doesn’t need decoration. It stands in its own radiant, humbling power. So, Paul came not with confidence in himself but with trembling reliance on God. Why? Because saving faith isn’t birthed by human wisdom; rather, it springs from the power of the Spirit. The gospel is God’s power unto salvation. Its power is not enhanced by human logic but is revealed through the Spirit to hearts that are humble enough to receive it.
As believers preaching the gospel to others, we must present the message in a clear and logical order. However, Paul reminds us that it’s not our eloquence or wisdom that carries eternal weight. It’s Christ. Just Christ. And Him crucified. Jesus Christ refers to the person, the eternal Son of God incarnate; “him crucified” refers to the work he came to accomplish. These two elements are inseparable and form the cornerstone of salvation. Any message that elevates Jesus as a mere prophet or a figure of moral instruction while ignoring the cross is no Gospel at all.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Christ and His cross underpins the enduring gospel message
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Revelation 21-22
COMMENTARY
1. The Centrality of the Cross – Paul’s resolve was to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The cross is the heart of the gospel. Any message that omits or diminishes the cross is not the gospel. The cross is where sin was judged, where redemption was purchased, and where God’s love was displayed.
2. The Danger of Human Eloquence – Paul deliberately avoided relying on human wisdom and eloquence. He knew that faith built on clever arguments would be fragile. Saving faith comes from the Spirit’s power, not from human persuasion. We must not depend on gimmicks or personality to win people to Christ.
3. The Power of the Spirit – Paul came in weakness, fear, and trembling, but his preaching was in demonstration of the Spirit and power. The Spirit is the One who convicts, converts, and transforms. We must rely on Him, not on ourselves. Prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit are essential for effective evangelism.
4. The Person and Work of Christ – The devotional emphasizes that “Jesus Christ” refers to the person, and “him crucified” refers to the work. Both are essential. A message that presents Jesus as a mere teacher while ignoring the cross is incomplete. The cross is the cornerstone of salvation.
5. The DCLM Ministry’s Focus on the Cross – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry emphasizes the centrality of the cross in salvation. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, and that power is revealed in the message of Christ crucified. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to center their message on the cross.
About DCLM and Daily Manna
The Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) was founded in 1973 by Pastor Dr. W.F. Kumuyi. From a small Bible study of 15 students in Lagos, it has grown into a global ministry with churches across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. The ministry emphasizes holiness, prayer, Bible study, and the centrality of the cross.
DCLM Daily Manna is a daily devotional written by Pastor Kumuyi. Each edition provides Scripture reading, exposition, and practical application to guide believers in their daily walk with God. The devotional consistently calls readers to center their faith and message on Christ crucified.
Prayer Reflection
Lord, strip away any tendency in me to promote myself or rely on human wisdom. Help me to keep the cross at the center of my message and my life. Fill me with Your Spirit so that my words carry divine power. May I know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
