The Cross of Jesus The story so far...
OT Glimpses of the Cross a) OT Law b) Events and signs c) Psalms d) Prophets
Words that Change the World 57 Words that Changed THE World: (Darrell Johnson) The Lord's Prayer (Matt 6:9-13) 35 Words to Change YOUR World: The seven cries from the cross of Jesus
The Great Exchange JESUS TOOK: My sin My guilt My shame My death My curse My rejection My bondage My poverty My brokenness My sickness My fear My sadness JESUS GAVE: His righteousness His forgiveness/pardon His glory His life His blessing His acceptance His freedom His riches His healing His health His peace His joy
The Triumph of the Cross Perfect Love Perfect Love And Perfect Justice Perfect Justice
The Triumph of the Cross A New Covenant Established Sinners Saved A Bride Prepared Evil Defeated
The Challenge of the Cross Living in the Light of the Cross
Challenges The Scandal of Crucifixion The Offence of the Cross The Foolishness of Preaching Taking up the Cross Yielding to God's will Living in the Light of the Cross
The Scandal of Crucifixion Deut 21:22-23... if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. 1 Cor 1:22-25... Jews... Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
The Scandal of Crucifixion Leviticus 19:14 You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the LORD. The Jews: we worship someone whom God has cursed The pagan world: we Christians worship a 'dead god' Modern times: man's sinful condition is so profound that only the humiliating death of the Son of God could satisfy God s wrath.
The Offence of the Cross Gal 5:11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offence of the cross has been abolished.
The Offence of the Cross 1 Cor 2:1-2 Brothers and sisters, when I came to you I didn't come with fancy words or great wisdom. I preached to you the truth about God's love. I made up my mind to pay attention to only one thing while I was with you. That one thing was Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. [NIrV]
The Foolishness of Preaching 1 Cor 1:18-21 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." Where are the wise? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
Take up your Cross... Matt 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for you to gain the whole world, yet forfeit your soul? Or what can you give in exchange for your soul?
Yielding to God's Will 1 Pet 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because those who have suffered in their bodies are done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
Yielding to God's Will Would you still follow Jesus if it meant... losing your closest friends? alienation from your family? the loss of your reputation? losing your job? losing your life?
Suffering for Doing Good 1 Pet 3:13-17 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened." [Isa 8] But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died; my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God; all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood. ------ Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
Living in the Light of the Cross Obedience to His Will Victory over Sin and Temptation Rom 6:2-12 We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Freedom from Guilt, Shame, Hurts, Offences Being a Light to Others Matt 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.