It's Still The Cross

The Cross - "No word has become more universally known than this, because the history of the world since the death of Christ has been decisively shaped by that epoch-making event. The principal content of the Christian religion is symbolized in this one word."

"The cross as the basis of atonement is the principal emphasis in the Epistles (see Eph 2:16; Col 1:20; 2:14), whereas in the book of Acts the resurrection seems more central (see Acts 2:33-36; 3:19-26; 13:37-39). The reason for the different emphasis is found in the different purposes of those writings: the cross tends to be used in didactic (instructional) sections, the resurrection in apologetic (persuasive) or kerygmatic sections, when the basis for salvation is being presented. In actuality they were a single event in salvation history. Jesus "was put to death for our trespasses and raised for our justification" (Rom 4:25)."

A few years ago Gold City a then popular Southern Gospel group sang a song that impacted my life in a powerful way. The title of that song, "It's Still the Cross" I want to share some of those words with you this morning:

It's Still The Cross Lyrics

It's not conservative or liberal,

However they're defined;

It's not about interpretation,

Or the judgment of the mind;

It's the opposite of politics,

Power or prestige;

It's about a simple message,

And whether we believe.

Chorus:

It's still the cross,

It's still the blood of Calvary;

That cleanses sins,

And sets the captives free.

It's still the name,

The name of Jesus,

That has power to save the lost;

It's still the cross.

We can water down theology,

And preach a word to suit our needs;

We can justify sweet subtle lies,

That are wrapped in noble deeds;

We can alter our convictions,

To adapt to social whims;

But we cannot change the gospel,

Or the truth contained within.

Though some may say it's man's religion,

Or ancient history;

The cross of Jesus still remains,

The price for sin that sets us free.

It was the cross of Christ back then and it's still the cross for us today.

It's Still the Cross because

It is the only way to God

It Points the way - "If I be lifted up" It Gives the Way - "Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ" It Opens the Way - "Through the cross reconciliation has been made the door has been opened." The Cross has wondrous power -

Power to transform -

Have you been transformed by the power of the cross Power to inform Power to conform

1 Corinthians 1:17 (KJV)

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.

1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV)

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Galatians 5:11 (KJV)

11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

Galatians 6:12 (KJV)

12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

Galatians 6:14 (KJV)

14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Colossians 1:20 (KJV)

20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Colossians 2:14 (KJV)

14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;