There's Level Ground at the Cross

There's Level Ground at the Cross

Romans 5:19, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 John 1:9

God’s grace is the greatest gift we could ever receive. It’s not something we earn or deserve—it is freely given through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. When we truly understand the depth of this grace, gratitude becomes the natural response of our hearts. The cross, where His grace was poured out through His blood, reminds us that every sin is forgiven, every debt is paid, and every broken place can be healed.

His grace sustained us in the trouble,grace lifted us in the suffering, and brought us into the joy of resurrection life.

Give thanks for the cross, for the blood, and the promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Grace is what brought us here this afternoon

Hezekiah Walker recorded this song that resonates God’s word for us today:

I am

Grateful for the things that You have done

Yes, I’m

Grateful for the victories we’ve won

I could go on and on and on

About Your works

Because I’m grateful, grateful, so grateful

Just to praise You, Lord

And the Chorus says:

Flowing from my heart

Are the issues of my heart

Is gratefulness

Grateful, grateful, grateful, grateful

Grateful, grateful, grateful, grateful

Gratefulness is flowing from my heart

I’m Grateful because

There's Level Ground at the Cross"

Page through your Bible with me to These Three text of Scripture to guide us

Romans 5:19 (ESV): “For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.”

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (ESV): “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

1 John 1:9(ESV): “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Heavenly Father, we have gratefulness today, knowing that the cross is where Your love met our sin and gave us redemption.

When we open that scripture in Jeremiah 17:9 it tells us “ The heart is deceitful above all things, so our hearts need to hear Your truth of forgiveness.

Remind us that no matter what our sin has been, the blood of Jesus covers us when we come to Him in faith and repentance.

Let this message transform our hearts, minds, and lead us into deeper communion with You.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Romans 5:19, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, and 1 John 1:9 together form a unified message of redemption, transformation, and hope. Though penned by different writers, these scriptures harmonize to declare a single truth. God's grace, through the blood of Jesus, is powerful enough to cover every sin, change every heart, and restore every life.

Whether or not you realize it…

Sin is universal—it doesn’t matter what kind it is or who you are.

The Bible makes it clear that all of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).

, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 lists specific sins that exclude people from God’s kingdom unless they are washed, sanctified, and justified by the blood of Jesus.

We must know how that the blood of Jesus covers every sin, your sin, my sin. But here is the revelation, it requires our acceptance of Him as Savior to have His covering.

Let me step on some toes!

Don’t look at your neighbor trying to figure out what sin they deal with, that’s not your job to ostracize anybody from the same grace that God extended to your issue.

Girl, I discerned that she going through!

Decrement don’t work like that, gossip does.

Look at your own stuff and be grateful that Christ didn't gossip on you.

Let me give this acronym for SIN: Self-Indulgence and Neglect of God.

The acronym doesn’t change just because your sin isn’t the same as your neighbor’s sin.

Regardless of what you’ve done, There’s level ground at the cross.

The cross is a paradox—it reveals the weight of sin while offering the light of grace.

It is a place where humanity's failures and God's redemptive plan intersect. Romans 5:19 reminds us of this powerful truth: Adam’s disobedience brought sin and separation, but Jesus’ obedience brought righteousness and reconciliation.

Here’s three truths about the level ground at the cross:

Sin Makes Us All Equal in Our Need

At the foot of the cross, we are all on equal ground—sinners in need of a Savior. Whether you’ve walked a “good” life or strayed far from God, Jesus’ obedience levels the ground for all.

Jesus’ Obedience Opens the Door for All

Jesus’ obedience to the Father, even unto death on the cross, leveled the playing field. Through His sacrifice, He made it possible for anyone—regardless of their past—to receive the righteousness of God.

The cross doesn’t ask for your résumé; it offers you redemption.

Unity at the Cross Changes How We See Others

Galatians 3:28

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

At the cross, labels fade. The pride of status, or past achievements melts away in the light of Christ’s sacrifice.

When we understand the level ground at the cross, it transforms how we see others—we all are fellow recipients of grace.

At the cross, there’s no room for boasting, judgment, or pride. Whether you’ve been a believer for years or are just coming to faith, the same grace saves us all.

We want to put major and minor categories on sin that separates us

The cross doesn’t separate us; it unites us in our need in God’s love.

1. No Sin Is Too Great for the Blood of Jesus

Paul writes out a list of sins, and for each, we can proclaim what God provides in Jesus to us who believe and repent: " covered by the Blood!"

To Those who engaged in sexual relationships outside of God’s design. When you repent…

It’s Covered by the Blood!

To Those who worship anything other than God—money, power, success, or even people. When you repent…

It’s Covered by the Blood!

To Those who were unfaithful to their spouses and those who commit spiritual adultery against God. When you repent…

It’s Covered by the Blood!

To Those engaging in actions outside of God’s design for human relationships. When you repent…

It’s Covered by the Blood!

To Those who took what didn’t belong to them—whether material things or intangible ones like time and trust. When you repent…

It’s Covered by the Blood!

To Those who had put their desires above others and make life about accumulation. When you repent…

It’s Covered by the Blood!

To Those who used substances to escape rather than seek God’s peace. When you repent…

It’s Covered by the Blood!

To Those who had destroyed others with their words, spreading gossip, lies, or hate. When you repent…

It’s Covered by the Blood!

To Those who deceived others for personal gain. When you repent…

Covered by the Blood!

The Truth is: No matter your sin, the blood of Jesus can wash you clean—but only if you accept Him as your Savior And Master.

As 1 John 1:9 reminds us, the prerequisite for forgiveness is confession: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Let me give this acronym

2. SIN: Self-Indulgence and Neglect of God

The acronym SIN applies universally because sin always comes down to two things:

Self-Indulgence: Prioritizing our desires over God’s commands.

Neglect of God: Ignoring God’s will, His Word, and His way.

Your sin may not look like your neighbor’s sin, but the acronym doesn’t change.

Whether it’s pride, lust, addiction, lying, or anger, all sin stems from putting self above God.

Sin is a disease that manifests differently in each person.

One may have a fever of greed, another a cough of dishonesty, but the disease is the same.

And the cure is also the same: the blood of Jesus.

In the crueist torture known to Man in Roman's History they whipped, and beat Christ 39 times, because 40 met death, but in the process of what they did, they didn’t understand that they were fulfiling what prohercy spoke about Christ.

Isaiah 53: He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we were healed. All of Our diseases was covered as His blood flowed.

The Truth is: The cross doesn’t change for different sins.

Its power covers every kind of sin equally because Jesus’ obedience fulfilled the law for all humanity (Romans 5:19).

Sin places you in a courtroom with every other sin defendant—no matter what the crime—

But your repentance instills that your defense attorney Jesus’s Blood pleaded your case and you’re guaranteed to be pardoned by accepting the judge’s offer.

That guarantee is true salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus!

That’s the power of the cross. It’s a universal offer, but it requires acceptance.

The Truth is: The blood of Jesus doesn’t just erase your sin—it also transforms your identity. You are no longer defined by your past but by Christ’s righteousness.

I know I keep saying “The Truth is”

It’s Not man’s truth

I’m just telling you what Jesus said, in John 8:32

Jesus was talking to a group of Jews who believe on Him when He said:

“You Shall Know the Truth and the Truth Shall Make You Free”

To know Christ, is to experience real freedom

Jesus is the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus!

DO YOU KNOW JESUS!

Ask yourself this Truth “Do I Believe in Christ”

You Do?

Then…

Confess Your Sins(1 John 1:9): Acknowledge where you’ve fallen short and ask God for forgiveness.

Accept the Covering of Christ’s Blood: Stop trying to cover your sins yourself. Only the blood of Jesus can wash you clean.

And Walk in Newness of Life: Leave your old ways behind and live as someone sanctified and justified by Christ.

No matter what sin you’ve committed, the blood of Jesus is more than enough to cover you. But you must confess and accept His sacrifice. Sin doesn’t discriminate, and neither does grace.

At the cross, there’s no hierarchy of sin.

There’s level ground for all of us at the Cross because Jesus says, “You’re covered by My Blood.”

The blood of Jesus is the ultimate covering—it washes away every sin,

heals every wound,

breaks every chain, and reconciles us to the Father.

It covers the guilt of the liar,

the shame of the adulterer,

the pain of the abused,

the rebellion of the prodigal,

the pride of the self-righteous,

and the despair of the brokenhearted.

His blood removes every stain and making us justified in the Father’s sight.

It is the seal of God’s forgiveness,

the source of our redemption,

and the guarantee of our eternal inheritance.

I don’t know about you, But

I know it was the Blood; I know it was Blood, I know it was the Blood for me. One day when I was lost, He died on the Cross, I know it was the Blood for me.

Through the blood of Jesus,

No sin is too dark,

No past is too messy,

And no heart is too far gone.

It is a covering that restores, renews, and reclaims us as beloved children of God.

At the cross,

His blood declares, “You are forgiven,

His blood declares you are loved,

and His blood declares you are His.”

Let me push it...

Your Perspective can Change at the Level Ground of the Cross"

It was at the foot of the cross, a Roman centurion—a man hardened by years of violence and duty, who had seen countless executions—had his heart and perspective transformed.

In Matthew 27:54, after witnessing the events surrounding Jesus’ death, he declared, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

This wasn’t a small shift; it was a paradigm moment.

The centurion’s role at the cross was one of authority and enforcement,

He saw Jesus as just another criminal to be executed.

But something happened at the level ground of the Cross.

darkness covered the land, the earthquake shook the ground, and the way Jesus surrendered His spirit with grace and purpose—all these brought the centurion to a place of revelation.

Change Happened on Level Ground

His change in perspective didn’t happen from a position of pride or distance.

It happened at the level ground of the cross, where he stood close enough to see Jesus’ sacrifice,

Close enough to feel the earth tremble,

and close enough to witness the truth of who Jesus really was.

Let me stay right here for a moment...

Maybe you, too, need a Kairos moment in your perspective.

Maybe you’ve been living life from a place of pride, pain, or indifference.

Maybe you have judged others and just dismissed Jesus as irrelevant to your situation.

But hear me when I say

When you come to the cross at level ground—when you humble yourself and see what He endured for you—your perspective will change.

The Cross Demands a Response

At the level ground of the cross:

You see your own sin: and not looking at the mistakes of others;

it’s your own rebellion,

your own brokenness that Jesus bore.

At level Ground

You see His love: A love so profound that He would endure the agony of the cross to save you.

You see the truth: Like the centurion, you come face-to-face with the reality that Jesus is not just some man—He is the Son of God.

If the cross could change the heart of that Roman guard—someone who was hostile to Jesus—it can change you and yours too.

It’s not about where you’ve been or what you’ve done.

At the cross, there’s level ground, and everyone has the same opportunity to encounter the transformative power of Jesus.

Come closer. Look again. Let the truth of Jesus’ sacrifice shift your heart and perspective.

Right where you are, not in your physical seat, but in the seat of your heart.

Begin to reflect on how the blood of Jesus has covered your sins and then think about someone else in your life who needs to know this truth.

Jesus Saves to the upmost!

If the centurion declared, "Truly this was the Son of God," what will you declare when you stand at the level ground of the cross? And view who Jesus really is?

Will you still hold on to your old perspective, or will you allow the power of the cross to transform the way you really see Jesus, and yourself, and make Him known to the world? The choice is yours.

Tell them On Friday, the blood went to the cross to pay for our sins.

On Saturday, the blood fulfilled God’s promise to defeat death and darkness.

Early Sunday, the blood’s power was revealed, securing our eternal victory.

The promise of the blood is still alive today, drawing us to the level ground of the cross, where grace flows freely, and life begins anew.

But before you tell them…Tell Jesus that you acknowledge your sin and unfaithfulness to Him. Tell Him that you confess that you have placed other things above Him—desires, pride, fears—and you’re have turned away from the love and truth have freely given. Jesus is intentional

Watch this...

The folding of the napkin that had covered Jesus' face in the borrowed tomb is a significant detail recorded in John 20:7:

"And the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself."

This seemingly small act carries a profound spiritual message, especially as it pertains to the message of this sermon on the level ground of the cross and the promise of the blood.

The Folded Napkin: A Symbol of Completion and Intention

Completion of the Work of the Cross: In Jewish culture, the folding of a napkin during a meal often signified the intention to return. A servant would know the master wasn”t finished if the napkin was folded and left neatly.

The folded napkin communicates that the resurrection was not an accident or a hasty event. Every part of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection was intentional and deliberate.

He was intentional in laying down His life.

He was intentional in conquering death.

He was intentional in giving us the promise of new life through His blood.

The folded napkin assures us that what Christ did for us was purposeful. The same intentionality that folded the napkin is the intention that saved us, sanctified us, and calls us to walk in newness of life.

The folded napkin is a signal of readiness for His return.

The folded napkin pointed to the greater promise of His second coming.

We live in gratitude for what Jesus accomplished at the cross, but the folded napkin reminds us to stay ready. Realizing that He will return to complete the final chapter of His redemptive plan.

At the level ground of the cross, the folded napkin invites us to respond:

With readiness: preparing for His return.

With closed eyes and raised hands let’s pray….

Lord, I repent of my sins. Forgive me for the times I have doubted You, ignored Your commands, and allowed the distractions of this world to draw me away from You. I lay down every idol, every selfish ambition, and every compromise. I ask that You cleanse my heart and purify my mind by your blood Jesus.

Tell Him Thank You for the cross, where all of our sins was paid for in full.

Tell Him Thank You for His mercy that never runs out and for His grace that is greater than all our sins. accept our plea for covering of His blood and the forgiveness You so freely offer.

Help us, Lord, to walk in obedience and faithfulness. Strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit to resist temptation and to seek You first in all things. Renew our love for You, our passion for Your Word, and our commitment to live as You lived.

Today, we surrender our lives to You again, fully and completely. We declare that You are our God, our Savior, and our Lord. Amen.

End of Service

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for the cross and the blood of Jesus that covers every sin.

Help us Father to humble ourselves, confess our sins, and accept Your gift of grace.

Remind us daily that no sin is too great for Your mercy, and no one is beyond Your love.

Unite us as one body, forgiven and redeemed by the blood of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Help Us Share with others that there’s level ground at the cross and invite them to accept the covering of Christ’s blood.