God's Power or Our Ability?

"No man can give the impression that he himself is clever and that Christ is mighty to save". -Scottish Minister and Theologian James Denney (1856-1917)

When we as pastors think our eloquence (our cleverness of speech) is the key to communicating the Gospel, we have essentially exchanged the power of the message, the power of the Cross, with our "ability" to communicate.

17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. (1 Cor. 1:17 NKJV)

1 And when I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come as someone superior in speaking ability or wisdom, as I proclaimed to you the testimony of God. (1 Cor.2:1 NASB)