Jesus Of The Cross

JESUS OF THE CROSS

Text: I Corinthians 1:17 thru 24

Without a doubt the most controversial subject anyone could ever want to discuss with a friend or a family member has to be the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There are lots of things people will want to sit and give you their opinion on. Whether it is sports, hobbies, politics or the weather, but just about everyone has their own opinion on just about anything. Just ask them…

It has been said that opinions are like noses…everybody’s got one.

It really is interesting how you can walk up to most anybody and strike up a conversation on just about anything.

But if you were to choose to talk about the subject of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, many people will be offended or will think you are a bit strange.

And yet, the most important decision anyone will ever make (in their lifetime) centers around whether or not they accept the TRUTH about the death and resurrection of Jesus.

There are those who are very resistant to discuss the crucifixion of Christ. They will tell you that they have their (own personal) reasons for not accepting the reality of Jesus’ death on the cross.

Some people claim to know God, but (admittedly) have never reconciled themselves to the forgiveness of the cross.

I am here today specifically to tell everyone here that you must accept and cherish the TRUTH and reality of the cross.

If you choose to not embrace the forgiveness and mercy of Jesus Christ, there are 3 things you need to know –

1. You will be condemned to sinner’s death including an eternal judgment

2. Revelations 20:15 says that “anyone (whose name is) not found written in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire.”

3. In verse 10 of that same chapter, the Bible warns that in this “lake of fire” those living without Jesus will be “tormented day and night forever and ever”.

These are very strong words that will sometimes offend people. I cannot change that, but the Bible speaks very plain about this. That is why the crucifixion of Christ is the most important thing you will ever need to know.

You and I cannot live without it.

You see – nothing else matters.

I must preach the crucifixion and each of us must decide whether or not we will surrender our lives to God’s plan of forgiveness. It shouldn’t be a difficult choice for anyone to make.

Many good folks have put off making this choice for most of their lives.

They postpone the most important decision they will ever make.

This saddens the heart of our Lord.

God has done so much to provide His plan of salvation, and yet so many sit by and do little or nothing about it.

Nevertheless, sooner or later, everyone is confronted with the reality of the cross. Different people have different responses (to this matter of importance).

Whether or not people want to talk about this or not doesn’t really change what this scripture has to say.

Whether or not people accept the reality of the cross of Christ will have no effect on anything the Bible has to say.

Did you know that the entire world could reject the death and resurrection of Jesus and it wouldn’t change God’s mind.

There are some who may think I am indignant or dogmatic when I say these things, but that won’t change the TRUTH of God’s Word.

The fact of the matter is –

The Word of God cannot be refuted or

challenged by any man, any philosophy, or anyone’s opinion.

Let me show you what I mean:

Look again at verse 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.

In the NIV and the NKJV it says,

“the message of the cross…”

In either case, the Greek translation of the word, “preaching/message” is actually the word “logos”.

How many have ever heard that word used in church before?

It is the same word used to define exactly Who Jesus is. “Logos” means word.

Jesus is the Word of God.

We know this to be true by what the Bible tells us in John 1:1-3

1 In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word (Logos) was with God, and the Word (Logos) was God.

2 He was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made...

We find that same word “Logos” used in verse 18. So if I could speak Greek and English, it sound like this: “For the Logos (Word) JESUS OF THE CROSS...”

My friend, this is not just a description of the Cross, or a definition of the Cross, this is the JESUS OF THE CROSS!