This is the reason why Paul in writing to them, is very careful to use the distinctive word 'Logos' in 1:18 and 12:8. The former verse should be read, 'for the Word (Logos) of the Cross ... is the power of God', and set in contrast to 'the wisdom of words which makes the cross of none effect', in verse 17. The Spirit which operates the gifts in the body of Christ must make the cross of Christ effective in His members, or He cannot hope to achieve His purposes in operating the gift. By the language of Paul 'the Word (Logos) of the Cross' and 'the Word (Logos) of Wisdom' are definitely linked, with the result that the cross is shown to be the real power of the Word of Wisdom. For the Church the Logos which was made flesh (John 1:14) had to become the Logos of the Cross before He could be the Logos of Wisdom.
Obviously, in God's order, being and deed precede words. The Word can only be the Word of Wisdom if it is the Word of the Cross, for the Word and the Cross are one, Christ crucified. Whatsoever gift there be in the Body of Christ can only be in the Body of Christ crucified. Therefore to function properly it must partake of the power of the cross. The real power of the gifts in the Church is the cross of the Christ of the Cross, for it is by this power that sin and self are permanently excluded from them; then and not until then are they really spirituals. An uncrucified man is a carnal man, for he has forsaken God's wisdom and power. The Man of the Spirit is the crucified Man. Even Christ cannot now be known after the flesh, He is the spiritual MAN — we are His BODY.
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G.W. North (1913 - 2003)
G. W. North was born in London England in 1913. As a young man he became aware that the Lord was calling him into the work of the ministry. At timely stages the Lord placed folk in his path who were able to direct him into the truth of heart purity and a more expansive understanding of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He held pastorates in Kent and Bradford. By the late 1960s, following a significant period of ministry in Liverpool, he began a more itinerant ministry. This led him to many parts of the world, and occupied him until well into his eighties. His powerful preaching and the unique sense of the Lord's presence, which seemed to brood over his meetings, were always intensely challenging.The true secret of his remarkable ministry stemmed from his personal communion with the Lord Jesus. To him, 'entering the holiest' was not merely a theological concept; it was a distinct spiritual reality - and the central feature of his spiritual life. It was here, in the place of worship, that his revelatory ministry found its source. He preached from understanding and conviction. He was never the echo of another, nor did he take on board the ebb and flow of various contemporary emphases. He was not a man of 'books'; he soaked himself in Scripture and allowed it to saturate his heart and mind. Truly, this is a man who has lifted up a standard for the people. Mr North went to be with the Lord on 29th April 2003, shortly after his ninetieth birthday.