Sermon Central
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The Glorious Cross
Contributed by James R. Rice on Nov 28, 2017 (message contributor)
Summary: The great apostle Paul refused to glory in anything other than the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The cross itself was not glorious, but the work of the cross accomplished by our Lord Jesus Christ is where Paul gave glory.
2. Years ago a manufacturing company experimented with a powerful magnetic crane. They passed the crane over their grounds and drew fort thousands of pieces of metal from the soil.
B. The Cross has power to save men.
1. The old rugged cross made the difference in the life of Paul, Mary Magdalene and the Samaritan woman.
2. Mel Trotter was a drunkard. When his baby died he knelt by the little white casket and promised that he would never take another drink. But a few hours later he stole the shoes from the little baby’s feet and sold them in order to buy a drink. Then he started his way toward Lake Michigan to commit suicide. A compassionate hand pulled him into a Gospel Mission and he was saved.
C. The Cross has power to mold character.
1. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:” (2 Cor. 5:17)
2. Michaelango found a block of marble that had been discarded. Under the touch of his skillful hand he erected a great statute of David.
3. God takes a miserable character and makes that person into a beauty of holiness.
D. The Cross has power to send men into service.
1. The love of money inspires men to go around the world. The love of country inspires men to serve in the military. The love of Christ inspires men to serve God around the world.
2. Men are inspired to serve God as they stand near the cross.
III. THE CROSS IS GLORIOUS IN ITS FUTURE PROMISE
A. What does the cross promise for the future? It promises heaven at the end of the way.
1. Heaven is pictures as a home. What does it take to make a home?
2. It takes a place; it takes loved ones; it takes love.
3. The cross is the way to make heaven our home.
4. The geographical heart of London is Charing Cross. All distances are measured from it. This spot is referred to as “the cross”. A lost child was one day picked up. The child was unable to tell where he lived. Finally, in response to repeated questions and amid the sobs and tears, the little child said, “If you will take me to the cross, I can find my way home.”
