THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS

                                                      1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:1-5 (841)

    Introduction

          A.  When you think about the cross, of what are you reminded?

                1.  Some people consider the preaching of the cross to be foolishness, but others

                     consider it to be the power of God.

          B.  There is a cross in your view.  What does this symbol mean to you?

          C.  Let’s focus on three truths of which the cross should remind us.

      I.  The cross should remind us that we are sinners and that we deserve an eternal

           separation from God.

          A.  We are sinners.  Roman 3:23 (831)

                1.  The word “sin” means to miss the mark.  We have all missed the mark.

                2.  The phrase “the glory of God” refers to God’s divine nature and qualities (holy,

                     Righteous, supreme and sovereign).

                    

          B.  Several verses that deal with sin.

                1.  1 John 3:4 (900).  Sin is the transgression of the law.

                2.  1 John 5:17.  Sin is unrighteousness.

                3.  Isaiah 59:1-2 (551).  Sin is iniquity.

                4.  James 4:17 (893).  Sin is __________ to do what we know we should.

          C.  We deserve an eternal separation from God because of our sins.  Roman 6:23a

    II.  The cross of Christ should remind us of the love of God and Christ.

          A.  Several verses

                1.  John 3:16-17 (781)

                2.  Romans 5:8 (832)

                3.  John 15:12-13 (794)

          B.  God sent Jesus to atone for our because of His love and Jesus sacrificed Himself on

                the cross because of His love.

   III.  The cross of Christ should remind us of our salvation..  Romans 1:16-17 (830)

          A.  Jesus took our sins and atoned for them.  2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (854)

          B.  Jesus shed His blood on the cross to atone for our sins.  Matthew 26:28 (727)

          C.  We must unite with the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross.  How?  This is

                with understanding that one believes and repents.  Romans 6:3-6 833); 1 Peter 3:20-21

                (896).  Baptism based on the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

Closing:  Review and invitation