It’s a simple concept.  Jesus saves.  Sometimes, though, it can seem like salvation depends on something else.

But, it doesn’t.

Programs don’t save.  Friendly smiles don’t save.  Great worship doesn’t save.  Eloquent sermons don’t save.  Hugs and refreshments and special events don’t save.  They can be tools to point to Christ.  They can build up the body of Christ.

Salvation, though?  That’s God alone.  And He doesn’t need any of the other stuff to accomplish it.  So we need to make sure that He is exalted far above the trappings of Christianity.

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.  For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. — I Corinthians 2:1-5