For the lost, the Gospel is a foolish, unconventional message: The Son of God became a man, lived in poverty, then died on a cross, was buried, only to rise again on the third day—and all that, somehow, provides forgiveness and eternal life with God for all who believe. It sounds incredible, doesn’t it? That’s because “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing” (1 Corinthians 1:18). To our natural minds, the Gospel doesn’t add up. But when the Holy Spirit empowers us to hear with ears of faith, we discover that the wisdom of God infinitely surpasses the wisdom of this world—and suddenly the Gospel makes perfect sense.

In the West today, we are blessed with more money, more material possessions, more leisure than ever before—but none of it has done a thing to curb our selfishness. We also have access to more knowledge than ever before—accessible from the phones in our pockets. But has all this information made us wise or moral? Not at all.

In contrast, the foolishness of Jesus Christ has the power to change everything. He alone changes hearts and lives, and one day He will remake the world (see Revelation 21:5). And how will He accomplish all this? Through the Gospel: “[A] stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:23-24). 

Prayer: God, thank You for redeeming me—giving me eyes to see Your Gospel Truth. May I be bold to share it with those around me. I know Your Word has power to save and Your Holy Spirit is at work. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.



Email Sign-up

Sign up for the TWR360 Newsletter

Access updates, news, Biblical teaching and inspirational messages from powerful Christian voices.

Thank you for signing up to receive updates from TWR360.

Required information missing

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy & Terms of Use apply.