Inner Gospel Over Outer Rhetoric
1 Corinthians 1:17 - A Neville Goddard interpretation
Read 1 Corinthians 1 in context
Scripture Focus
Biblical Context
Paul emphasizes preaching the gospel over outward rites like baptism and over polished speech. The cross’s power comes from inner realization, not external rhetoric.
Neville's Inner Vision
To Neville, this single verse unveils the inner economy of transformation. Christ’s sending is not toward outward rites or clever disputation, but toward the inner proclamation that the gospel is already true within you. The ‘wisdom of words’ warning asks you to guard the cross from becoming merely an idea spoken to others; its power lies in the realization you awaken by imagination. The cross is the moment you surrender your old self-concepts to the I AM you are, allowing the inner Christ to be formed in consciousness. Baptism in this light is symbolic—an inner drowning of limitation and an inner birth of as-you-are, an assertion of the living word that you are God’s word in form. The inner preacher must silence the ego and become bold in imagination, trusting that the I AM is speaking through you when you assume its reality. When you revise your sense of self to be the instrument of the gospel, the cross is not diminished but awakened within your own heart.
Practice This Now
Assume the role now: silently declare, 'I am the gospel within.' Feel the I AM speaking through you and let that inner speech govern your thoughts.
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