Sermons on Nicodemus At The Cross:

The Foolishness Of The Cross

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 8, 2021

Paul wrote about the foolishness of many things, but the most shocking is that he wrote about the foolishness of the cross.

The mayor and other dignitaries were looking into the vast pit dug for the new hospital to be built. The town half-wit came up and gazed into the pit, and asked the mayor what he was going to do with this big hole. The mayor decided to humor him and said, "We are going to round up all the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

The Cruelty Of The Cross

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 8, 2021

If God turned the cruelty of the cross into a universal blessing, we need never doubt that verse of Paul in Rom. 8:28 that says, "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Pierre VanPaasen once had an interview with Marshal Lyauty, but the former procounsul of the French Republic in Morocco. VanPassen asked him what he would have done had he been in Pilate's place. Lyauty, after describing what a trouble maker Jesus had been, endorsed Pilate's action. ...read more

Scripture: John 19:1-16

The Peace Of The Cross

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 8, 2021

Diplomacy has been defined as the art of saying, "nice doggie," until you find a rock. There is truth to this, but it is also true that one may want to say, "nice doggie" until the dog likes you, and becomes, in fact, a nice and friendly dog. That is being a peace maker.

A traveler in the South found himself stranded in a small town on Saturday night. Wondering around, he noticed there were two Baptist churches. He couldn't understand it, so he asked someone why it was that such a small town would have two Baptist churches? The local man said, "They ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:9

The Burden Of The Cross

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 8, 2021

Jesus says, happy are those who take following me seriously enough to bear the burden of the cross. Take up the cross and follow me Jesus said, and His demand is still the same today, and the promise is still the same, that those who suffer with Christ shall also reign with Him.

Florence Chadwick was the first woman ever to swim the difficult and cold 21 mile stretch of water between Catalina Island and the California coast. She failed on her first attempt because of poor vision. After 15 hours and 55 minutes of numbing cold she asked to be taken out of the water. A heavy ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Christmas And The Cross

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 8, 2021

It is possible to look forward to a merry Christmas in full awareness that we live in a world of misery. Just as there is nothing inconsistent with taking medicine to feel better in a world of sickness, so there is nothing inconsistent with a merry spirit in a world of misery.

Dr. Samuel Upham, a theological professor and a man of great learning, was dying. The family was gathered around his bed and someone said I believe he is already dead. Someone else said his feet are still warm and nobody ever dies with warm feet. Dr. Upham opened one eye and said, "Joan of ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Remember The Cross

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 8, 2021

The battle cries of our national history have been, “Remember the Alamo,” and “Remember Pearl Harbor.” Why in the world should we remember great defeats? It is because, like the cross, they become great defeats out of which came greater victories.

A couple of bank robbers hit a small country bank one lazy afternoon when the staff was small. They herded everyone into the vault at gunpoint. Then they gagged the teller and bound him hand and foot. They began to stuff the money into bags when they noticed the teller squirming and trying to talk ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

The Power Of The Cross

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Mar 9, 2021

Why do we preach Christ crucified?

The Power of the Cross Sunday Sermon Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz 1 Cor 1:20-24 In Jesus’ day, eastern people looked for a sign of some sort to tell them that God was doing something huge for them. The three magi who traveled from Persia to Bethlehem saw a special star in the eastern sky, and they ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:20-24

Denomination: United Methodist

The Burden Of The Cross Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 12, 2021

In this last beatitude Jesus provides His disciples with a defensive weapon to penetrate the fog of persecution. He promises great reward in heaven to those who will press on in the dark, knowing the light is still shining beyond.

Florence Chadwick was the first woman ever to swim the difficult and cold 21 mile stretch of water between Catalina Island and the California coast. She failed on her first attempt because of poor vision. After 15 hours and 55 minutes of numbing cold she asked to be taken out of the water. A ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

The Offense Of The Cross

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Mar 12, 2021

Why was the cross a stumbling block for people to accept Christ in Paul's time and today?

The Offense (Stumbling Blocks) of the Cross Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz Galatians 5:7-12 We have an exciting statement from our brother Paul which can be translated in different ways. In Galatians 5:11, the verse can be translated as "the offense of the cross." I found this to be an ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:7-12

Denomination: United Methodist

In Search Of The Cross

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Sep 16, 2024

A sermon for the season following Pentecost, Year B, lectionary 24

September 15, 2024 Rev. Mary Erickson Hope Lutheran Church Mark 8:27-38 In Search of the Cross Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Yesterday, September 14, is recognized as Holy Cross Day. The festival commemorates when St. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38

Denomination: Lutheran

Paths To The Cross

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Sep 21, 2024

911 was the day we Rember and many first responders took up their cross.

Matthew 16:24 Paths to the Cross 1. Today I wear my uniform to recognize the first responders who have taken up their cross • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24

Denomination: Methodist

The Significance Of The Cross Series

Contributed by Peter Ceccardi on Oct 19, 2024

Sun Tzu, the renowned Chinese military strategist, once taught his troops the art of enforcing victory. "A victory," he said, "is not merely the winning of a battle, but the securing of its fruits. A general must not only defeat his enemy but also ensure that he cannot rise again.

"Enforcing the Victory, Part 1: The Significance of the Cross" Introduction to the Series: A Tale of Two Victories Sun Tzu, the renowned Chinese military strategist, once taught his troops the art of enforcing victory. "A victory," he said, "is not merely the winning of ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:13-15

Denomination: Baptist

Crossing Over

Contributed by Peter Baumgartle on Oct 30, 2024

JOSHUA 3:1 Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over.

CROSSING OVER Can you think of a day that you waited for with great anticipation? Christmas morning? A Family Vacation? Your Wedding Day? Maybe it was a day that you anticipated with great excitement. Maybe it was day you anticipated with great anxiety (The fear of the unknown, like the day ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 3:1-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Preaching Of The Cross

Contributed by Phillip Smith on May 24, 2024

The Apostle Paul said he was not an elegant speaker; he did not desire to use flattering words to draw attention to the cross. It is a shame too many preachers today feel they must use flattery or jokes to attract or keep an audience.

I have heard many preachers over the span of my life. My father said they began attending church assemblies on Easter just a few days after my birth. Over sixty years have I been in an assembly hearing preaching. Think about the number of years and the many preachers you have heard. You have heard ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:17-31, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Way Of The Cross.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 9, 2023

The Cross of Jesus, and our cross.

THE WAY OF THE CROSS. Matthew 16:21-28. MATTHEW 16:21-23. When Jesus began to openly teach the necessity of the Cross, Peter - of all people - took Him aside, and began to rebuke Him. This brought to the lips of Jesus what is perhaps the sternest rebuke that He ever gave. Jesus' rebuke of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational