I Corinthians 1:17

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect (KJV)

Then: So there it is - an early problem with baptism. Paul says that wasn't his major job, and we understand him because actually he did baptize some. (He just can't remember who.) Corinthians expected to be aggrandized based on the name of the person who baptized them, rather on the name of Christ. Lull presents Paul's measured attitude (p.145). Baptism is important, but teaching the cross has primary significance - even more, the teaching format exemplified by the phrase "wisdom of words," is of little value. It's the content of the teaching, the message of the cross, which must not be nullified or made empty.

Now: Christians are easily distracted from the message of the cross. Current doctrinal issues over baptism are not the only source of dissension. Should we use an organ or a band? Should we change from traditional to contemporary or do both? Should we buy new property and build anew? Should we let secular groups use the facility? How do we deal with transient beggars? What about the world view of homosexuality or racism and its denunciation of Christian values? The cross of Christ still effects. Christians must, simply must, carefully consider the cross and veer away from dissension.

Extra source I Corinthians by David J. Lull; Revised and expanded edition of William A. Beardsley: First Corinthians: A Commentary for Today (Chalice Press, 2007). http://books.google.com/books?id=IHG_DNLpmroC&dq=First+Corinthians+online+commentaries&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=oCDBSpeoKZ_e8Ab-zKzBAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false