The Power of The Cross of Jesus

We Preach Christ Crucified

There are many people in the world who are not Christians, but acknowledge the character of Jesus (like Gandhi)

Some acknowledge Him as a prophet, but no more, others a teach, others a great leader

Some could even admit Him a god, but not The God

But the cross makes no since to them -

Without the cross, all the other attributes of Jesus are meaningless - just another among man

Paul said if Christ was not risen from the dead then we are of all men most miserable, and still in our sins.

When Jesus

Paul when he wrote to the Corinthians said “ I purposed not to no anything at all among you except for Jesus Christ and Him Crucified”

When Jesus died upon the cross He uttered these words “it is finished”

We often overlook the power and significance of these three simple words

“finished” the greatest victory in the history of the universe

satan was defeated. forever, no rematch. finished.

Sin was defeated

salvation was purchased for all men who would believe and receive it through faith - forevermore.

Yet, we don’t hear enough about this victory these days.

1 Corinthians 1:18–25 NKJV

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” 20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

1 cor

There are those who would say the message of the cross has lost its relevance in this age.

maybe it made sense then, but this is the 21st century

As you can see, the message of the cross seemed like foolishness then - to those who were perishing, just as it does today

The word used here for foolishness is moria - from which we get our word moron

The idea of the world being saved by a crucified Lord seemed like pure lunacy to those people who were proud, trusting in themselves that they held the understanding of the wisdom and knowledge of the world. Very much as it is today.

And likewise, to the religious folks of the day, trusting that through their rituals and ordinances, and holy meetings, and rites God’s favor was obtained.

And here we are today, in the 21st century:

with all of the knowledge and technology of the day - with all of our machines, and computers, media and understanding

Yet some things have remained so shockingly similar

People are still sinning in the same ways

The result of sin is still destruction, and ultimately death

There is still no less confusion in the world. In fact, for all our knowledge, many people are only confused more.

People ares till becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol

Still committing adultery and breaking hearts

still making a mess out of their own lives even though they know better - not to mention what they do to others

Still committing crimes and suffering loss

Still fighting wars, and bringing destruction

Still wanting more and more and achieving great things only to be unsatisfied with the ends

People are still confused and lost in so many ways, seeking help from doctors and counselors (and thank God for them)

And even with all of our advances in technology, science, and medicine, here in this advanced society, every life still ends in death.

And so it is, the rhetorical question of Paul’s text is as relevant today as ever it was:

Where is the wise?

where is the scribe?

where is the disputer of this age?

Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

..

1 Corinthians 1:21 NKJV

21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

1cor1.

It will never lose its power!

So Paul declared, “We preach Christ crucified!”

To the Jews a stumblingblock - it made no sense to them -

did not satisfy their need for religious works

To the Greeks foolishness - not scientific in their minds

To us that are saved- The wisdom and Power of God

We who are Christians must hold fast our faith

not faith in good deeds and Christian living

not faith in giving and receiving

not faith in church programs and great fellowship

But our faith in the message of the gospel of Jesus.

It is The Power of God to salvation

Romans 1:14–18 NKJV

14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

Romans 1:16–18 NKJV

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

Romans 1:14–17 NKJV

14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

Paul said this message, revealed by faith, is the power of God unto salvation

salvation “soteria” -

This is your way to God - and all His promises

The just shall live by faith - you must believe

what if some did not believe? The same word preached to both

Colossians 1:21–23 NKJV

21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

col

You who were once alienated and enemies

some people would get downright offended if you told them they were “enemies” of God

Yet, our sin does separate us from Him - completely separate - irreconcilably (by ourselves)

This sin holds us back from not only eternal life, but from all the glory of God in this life

Even in this present day, many people who have put their trust in so many things other than God, are so lost.

Yet now, He has reconciled us - through His death

And presents us holy, blameless, above reproach in His sight!!!

That is good news!

That you could be above reproach in the sight of Jesus

We are not holy and above reproach because of our good works

nor our church attendance or our parents or spouses faith

We are made holy and above reproach through His death, through the cross of Jesus

If indeed you continue in the faith

Grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel

This is where you faith comes in my friends

he didn’t say, “if you continue in church and don’t mess up”

he didn’t say “if you keep on tithing and five enough”

he didn’t say “if you keep all the commandments and maintain a good attitude”

he did say “if you continue in the faith - don’t be moved away from the hope of the gospel

The message of the cross is the power of God to those who believe

you must not be moved away fro mbelieving

Paul asked the Galatians if that which started in the spirit could be finished in the flesh

Don’t give up believing that the same gospel that got you saved keeps you saved

And that being saved, you have access to God by faith

Galatians 2:18–20 NKJV

18 For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Galatians 2:20 NKJV

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Colossians 1:21–23 NKJV

21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

col1.21-23

Colossians 1:20–23 NKJV

20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Colossians 2:13–15 NKJV

13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

we were dead in our sins

He has made us alive together with Him.

where there was a sentence of death, there is now the promise of life

He wiped out, erased the handwriting of requirements that was against us -

The penalties of your transgressions have been erased - (but only if you hold on to the promise by faith)

having nailed it to His cross

It is through the cross that this is blotted out

By death, He has paid the penalty for us

Through His sinless death, He has disarmed principalities and powers, those devils and demons that were against us

having made a show of them publickly

God wants to bless you openly

His life in you is supposed to be visible

Your enemy is defeated

Ephesians 2:13–19 NKJV

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

Galatians 2:20 NKJV

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Now, though we were far off, we are brought near, by the blood of Jesus - the power of His cross

He Himself is our peace - He has broken down the wall of separation

with so much talk of building walls, it may be enlightening to know that God is about tearing them down.

Having abolished in His flesh the law of commandments - ordinances - making peace

you have peace with God, through His cross - no matter what you come from - (if you believe)

Receive His salvation - today

Now in Him - we have access to The Father

You are not a stranger or foreigner, but a fellow citizen - a member of the household of God

as a member of His Household you have access - by faith - faith in the power of His cross- the gospel

You have access - whatever you need from Him

Healing, forgiveness, redemption, peace, prosperity, and life forevermore