The Message of the Cross
1 Corinthians 1:18 – 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.
The message of the cross seems to be different for many of us today. To those who have been saved by the cross of Jesus Christ, it means everything. It is our salvation, our hope, it is life eternal.
John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This shows the love of The God of this universe who created all things, who gave life to all living creatures on this earth, who put the stars in the sky – The God who loves us so much that He designed a plan to redeem us. That plan was “The Cross”. Redemption was necessary because we have all sinned and need a Savior.
Many in this world think of the cross and Jesus as foolishness and sadly the scripture in 1 Corinthians tells us those are the ones that will perish. Their focus is on the things of this world; their attention is drawn to sports, power, success, and money.
1 John 2:15-17 warns us, 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Many have fallen into Satan’s trap by thinking this world is all they have when it is just the opposite.
Ephesians 3:19-21 is an abundant promise – 19 and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself]. 20 Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen. (AMP)
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What was the purpose and intent of the cross?
I have answered this question in red:
Isaiah 53:4-8 – 4Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.
Jesus endured the cross willingly for you and for me. He redeemed us from our sins and provided the way for us to live eternally with our Father in Heaven. His blood was shed for every sickness and disease so that we may be healed. That, my friend, is agape love, the unconditional love of Father God and His Son Jesus Christ, our Savior!
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This message may have started with the cross, but it must end with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!
I love the phrase “It may be Friday, but Sunday is coming!” It solidifies triumph through trials! As Christians we know the relevance of this phrase means that though our Savior was crucified on Friday, He arose on Sunday morning and now presides at the right side of our Heavenly Father, watching and waiting to come get His bride! Take time to read HIS STORY this week in the book of John, chapters 18 through 21.
Jesus Is Alive!
We had the amazing opportunity to witness this picture being created. An airplane was flying above us and the pilot had cleverly found a way to announce that “Jesus Saves!” What an extraordinary way to witness!
Have you met this man Jesus? It is as simple as this:
Romans 10:9-13 – 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Call upon Him today my friend and make Him Lord of your life! You will never regret it!
If you already have a relationship with Jesus, take time and reflect what the cross really means to you.
May we all tell The God of the universe THANK YOU and may we thank JESUS for enduring the cross on our behalf! Show them our gratitude!
Take communion in remembrance of all Jesus did for us (1 Corinthians 11:23-29). It is beneficial for us all. It is the “Meal that Heals” physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Be blessed this Resurrection season and may God’s Holy Presence be upon each and every one of you! Be grateful, for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords IS ALIVE!
Jerry & Debi Ayers
Notes:
- If you are new to this blog, please understand that I have a ministry in discipleship, so I challenge you and encourage you to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- All scripture is taken from NKJV unless otherwise noted.
- More blogs can be viewed at the following sites:
- debiayers.com
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- To purchase your copy of “Tea Time With God; Treasures of the Heart”, click here
- I also author a series of books titled “The Adventures of Maddie and Her Papaw”, which are sold on Amazon.
About the Author
