The Wisdom and the Power of the Cross: 2020 Edition

by J.T. Pugh

“ For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the POWER of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 “ But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the POWER of God, and the WISDOM of God.” I Corinthians 1:24 The basic principle of self-giving is symbolized in the cross of Jesus Christ. The cross stands for self-sacrifice. The cross is a principle that spawns true Christian character and generates the only energy that drives the church in evangelism and missions. In this book, the author has sincerely attempted not to superficially gloss the cross as a historical event, but to break through the apparent and lay hold on the deep lying principles of its wisdom and power. Jesus stands at the threshold of a new era, inviting us to follow Him into the future, He invites us to lay down our lives and pick up our cross. He invites us to lose our lives in order to find life. He invites us, like the mustard seed, to fall into the ground and die, so that we may be part of a great tree extended into a chaotic world. “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.” Matthew 16:21 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 It is paramount to see the very important reason why in the same chapter, location, and time frame, Jesus introduces both the concept of the church and also the cross. The significance is that these two realities are effectively inseparable. The true church and the cross are indivisible in concept and Christian function.

302 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Born on Oct. 28, 1923, to an affluent farmer and his wife. He was the youngest of five and the only boy. Jess Truman's life changed drastically when he was four. That’s when a tornado came through Noble and killed his father, Jesse Trulanzer Pugh. Uncle Jay, his mother, and sisters worked their farm trying to plant a crop and harvest it for money. It was no longer the best of times. It was the worst of times. And life was not finished. At the age of 13, J.T. lost his mother, Lucy Sanderson Pugh. To keep the young teenager from becoming a ward of the state, Iva Nell, and J.T. worked to keep the crops going. The young lad and his teenaged sister toiled grueling hours to overcoming scores of seemingly impossibilities. He learned gritty, unending determination.

By the age of 12, the life he knew was harsh and cruel and the hours were long and tormented. And then he met the Master, and he was never the same. He learned of love where there had been loss. He learned of hope where there had been despair. He learned about joy where there had been desecration. His passion became his Savior and the rest of his life is history.

J.T. Pugh (Jesse Truman-he added those names in adulthood because Social Security required he have more than initials for a name) first pastored in Gorman, Texas. At a youth rally, his eye fell on his sweet Bessie, and with his bride by his side, he moved to West Lake, La., and started a church. After a tenure there, he moved to Port Arthur, Texas, and for the next 17 years built a church and a family.

Pastor Pugh was a dedicated servant of God, a visionary for the Pen­­tecostal movement, and a beloved father. His children watched their father’s love for God and his spiritual walk and as many children do, they emulated their father. All three are now in a form of ministry. And the heritage spread to their children.

After 17 years in south Texas, J.T. Pugh was asked to be the Home Missions Director for the United Pentecostal Church and moved his family to St. Louis, Mo. Remember, J.T. was a visionary, a man after God’s own heart. Under that six-year leadership, The United Pentecostal Organization became the fastest growing church organization in America, a trend that continued for several years after he left because of the programs and plans he put into place.

His life journey continued to evolve in Odessa where he became the pastor of the First United Pentecostal Church. By this time, Pastor Pugh had become a well-known speaker and teacher in the Pentecostal organization as well as an author. His vision took him all over the world to impart hope and wisdom to pastors and congregations alike. During his time in Odessa he was also the District Superintendent of the Texico District of the UPC.

Pastor Pugh led the Odessa church for 18 years before he retired, establishing a solid congregation and building a new and dynamic facility. His son, Terry Pugh, was voted in as pastor and Pastor Pugh became Pastor Emeritus to the congregation.

As his retirement set in, Papa became Uncle Jay’s common name as grandchildren flocked to his house. He also dedicated himself to writing and ministering. Among the books he authored were Dating Tips, For Preachers Only, The Flesh of God, The Wisdom and The Power of the Cross,and Must a Religious Organization die? There were many more. His message related to all because his passion for knowing his Lord flowed through and out of him. Bessie, commented one day that she had only been married about twenty years because he’d been gone the last thirty years. His ministry was big, though. It could not be contained in a space. A world awaited the words God placed in his heart.

He was such a gentleman to his wife. He wanted a big celebration for their 50 years together. The song that ended the night was “You will Always Be Beautiful In My Eyes.” She was that to him and more. They lived in respect for each other. They cared and loved together. They were icons to a world fi

Reviews

[A.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my humble opinion, every person who is called to ministry needs to read and re-read this book. The principle of the cross is one of the most powerful concepts that is being left out of ministry work in the present day. This book will stir you and help you in both the heart and head level of understanding. I have chosen to purchase several copies of this book to give away.

[Justin Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great blessing to our world today. In my opinion, every minister could benefit greatly from immersing themselves within the pages of this book.

[Israel Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all ministers