A Sure Pathway To Living An Overcoming Christian Life.
Bible Passage – 1 Cor 1:17-18; Heb 12:2; Rom 1:16; Matt 16:24-25
INTRODUCTION
The cross of Jesus, the cross of Calvary is the watershed in our salvation story of glory. Without the cross, our sins could not have been forgiven in full. Without the cross we are lost, no hope, no faith, no salvation and no power of God. The cross of Jesus signifies the depth of the love of God man.
The cross is seen today as a one the most beautiful symbols. It is even now a fashion item. Before the cross became beautiful and representing many other things, it was, is and will ever be a place of connection between God and man, sin and holiness, condemnation and salvation, death and life. It is a life-taking place, a place of ultimate love manifested and a life- giving place. There, eternal damnation, sin and death end, and salvation and eternal life begin.
The Cross and Its History
It goes back to India and China before the Roman Empire. It takes 2 to one week depending on the pain inflicted before the hanging on the cross etc. it was simply the most horrible way to die.
i. Historically, it was the ultimate form of execution.
ii. Historically, it was the final destination for the most dangerous or important criminal, offender and treason against the emperor and the empire.
The Cross and Medicine
i. In medicine, it delivers the stretching categories of pains and drains that kills many organs of the body.
ii. It is does not kill quickly but systematically and scientifically, one step after the other.
iii. In the cross of Jesus were also the processes that led to the cross – it was not the cross straight but the cross was reserved till the end for Christ Jesus.
Jesus suffered at all levels of medical pains that assures death. Lk 23:1-56
i. Concussions – on his head
ii. Laceration – beating on the back
iii. Penetration – thorns
iv. Perforation – the nails
v. Incision – the spear
The Dimensions of The Cross
There is a song about the blood – “it reaches to the highest mountain and to the lowest valley”
i. The breadth of the cross – no matter what God loves you. 1 John 4:10 | 1 John 4:8 | Ephesians 2:4
ii. The length of the cross is from everlasting to everlasting. John 3:16 | John 3:36 | Psalms 103:17
iii. You cannot understand nor explain the love of God by human knowledge or understanding, but by the cross. – John 3:17 | 1 John 4:10
iv. The height of the cross extends to the throne of God, takes us to the throne of God : Ephesians 2:6
v. It is through the cross God draws and invites all men to himself. Without the cross, no way nor access to God. Our only way to God and heaven. Our way to eternal life: 1 Thessalonians 5:9
vi. The depth of the cross is that no matter how low you fall, how terrible your life is and what you have become – you cannot get beyond the love of God. – Romans 8:39
vii. The cross and love of God reach deep to pull you out and save you, as well keep you in his love forever: Psalms 40:2 | 1 John 3:16.
viii. We all have a part in the cross – Isa 53:4-6
ix. Our sins put him on the cross – Isa 53:4-6
x. Our sins caused him all the sufferings. – Isa 53:4-6
The Song – The Old Rugged Cross – Are You True To The Cross?
Conclusion
Why Study The Cross of Jesus?
i. To know and understand the true cross of Jesus
ii. To know and appropriate why Jesus went to the cross
iii. Who am I without the cross, the life of the cross and at the cross
iv. Who am I destined to be with and in the cross
v. What is my role in the cross
vi. Is the cross of Jesus just historical, eternal, alive and my foundation, hope and future?
vii. You can only become a living sacrifice at the cross – Rom 12:1
On A Hill Far Away – Ponder, Reflect and Meditate on the Hymn
1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.
2. O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God, left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.
Refrain:
3. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
Refrain:
4. To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.
Refrain:
YES, THESE BECOME TRUE
⁃ At The Cross, There Are No Trophies, But Eternal Gratitude
⁃ Yes, It Is True, No Cross No Crown, And Also No Heaven
⁃ We Cannot Know The Lord Without The Cross
⁃ The Love of God Cannot Be Accessed Without The Cross
⁃ The Glory of God Can Be Revealed or Seen Without The Cross
⁃ The Believer Leaves At The Cross
⁃ The Cross Is The Place of Submission and Humility
CONSIDER THESE
i. Without the cross, our sins could not have been forgiven in full.
ii. Without the cross we are lost, no hope, no faith, no salvation and no power of God.
iii. The cross of Jesus signifies the depth of the love of God man.
iv. To know and understand the true cross of Jesus
v. To know and appropriate why Jesus went to the cross
vi. Who am I without the cross, the life of the cross and at the cross
vii. Who am I destined to be with and in the cross
viii. What is my role in the cross
ix. Is the cross of Jesus just historical, eternal, alive and my foundation, hope and future?
x. You can only become a living sacrifice at the cross – Rom 12:1
