“I NEED NO OTHER ARGUMENT”

Dearly Beloved, “I NEED NO OTHER ARGUMENT” “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2 NKJV). As one of my online contacts was discussing the demerits of polygamy with me in reaction to my message on the theme last week, she referred in passing to the popular refrain, “I need no other argument, I need no other plea...." We continued our discussion, but it was as if I was hearing that refrain for the first time. Here is the full refrain: “I need no other argument, I need no other plea; it is enough that Jesus died, and that He died for me.” Interestingly, it was the week commemorating the Passion Week. While the emphasis of the whole hymn “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place” with the refrain “I need no other argument..." is that Jesus Christ is the only basis for our faith, I am still fascinated by the fact that Jesus Christ died for me, and that is indeed enough for me. This led to know more about the hymn and its composer. The story of the composer of the hymn, Eliza Edmunds Hewitt (1851-1920), is very pathetic. As a teacher, she became invalid as a result of a serious spinal problem when a student struck her with a heavy slate. She lived the rest of her life in this state even though she was able to partially recover. No wonder, she could write that her faith found a resting place in Jesus Christ and that she needed no other argument or plea because the death of Jesus Christ was enough for her. Only someone who knows the efficacy of the death of Jesus Christ and has put his/her total trust in Him can find such rest. Her faith was not in any device or creed. The faith was in the ever-living One who was wounded for her. Eliza Hewitt knew that Jesus Christ saves, and that ended her fear and doubt. She knew that Jesus Christ would never cast anyone out if such person comes to Him. The heart of Eliza leant on the written Word of God because she was saved by the name of her Saviour through His blood. In spite of her infirmity, Eliza asserted that her great Physician can heal the sick, and that He can save the lost because He has shed His precious blood and gave His life for her on the cross. Indeed, Eliza needed no other argument or plea! Apostle Paul likewise did not want to know any other thing among his Corinthian audience except the crucified Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 2:2). No other argument! What is your real or seeming infirmity? What is your present predicament? Put your total trust in Jesus Christ. Let your heart lean on His words. He has promised never to cast away anyone that trusts in Him (see John 6:37). Believe in His healing power, not only for your physical infirmity, but also for emotional, financial, and most especially spiritual infirmities. He “bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24 NKJV). As a matter of fact, “I need no other argument, I need no other plea; it is enough that Jesus died, and that He died for me.” In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will be able to put your total trust in the crucified and resurrected Jesus Christ.