What is the Message of the Cross?

What is the Message of the Cross?

Introduction: The word translated “preaching” in the KJV and “message” in the NKJV is the Greek logos = “word” (cf John 1:1). The cross was a hindrance to Jews (a crucified Messiah) and Gentiles (who did not believe in the resurrection – Acts 17:32 and worshiped deified men). What comes to mind when you see all the images of the cross in our society (pendants, bumper stickers, etc). This is what the cross should say to me when I see it.

  1. I was LOST
    1. Ecclesiastes 7:20
    2. Romans 3:9-10, 23
  2. I Could Not SAVE Myself
    1. Proverbs 20:9
    2. Romans 6:23
    3. Ephesians 2:1-10
    4. Titus 3:5
  3. Only GOD Can Forgive Sin – Matthew 9:1-7
    1. Psalm 51:4, 7, 9
    2. Micah 6:6-7
  4. God LOVES Me
    1. Even more than He loves his own son. Consider!
      1. Would you allow your child to suffer and die like God did?
      2. Even for people who rejected you and hated you?
      3. Even if you knew you would receive him back?
    2. John 3:16
    3. Romans 5:6-8
    4. 1 John 4:9-10
  5. Jesus LOVES Me
    1. John 13:34-35
    2. John 15:13
    3. Galatians 1:3-4
    4. Galatians 2:20
  6. My Will is IRRELEVANT
    1. John 6:38
    2. John 10:11, 17-18
    3. Mark 14:34-36; Luke 22:42-44
    4. Romans 6:1-7 (cf Col 3:1-3)
  7. This World is TEMPORARY
    1. Matthew 4:1-11 – Jesus rejected the kingdoms of the world (the temporary) so that He might give us life (eternal).
    2. Matthew 6:19-21 (cf Luke 12:15)
    3. 1 John 2:15-17
    4. 2 Corinthians 4
  8. My Soul is PRICELESS
    1. Matthew 16:24-26
    2. 1 Peter 1:18-19