The Cross

Foolishness to the World, Power to the Believer

To the world, the cross may seem like a symbol of defeat—an execution device meant to bring shame and death. But to those who believe, the cross of Christ represents the greatest act of love, victory, and hope in human history.

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The Cross Divides the Believer and the Unbeliever

“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.”
— 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV)

Paul clearly states that the cross is a dividing line. The unbeliever sees it as foolishness—irrational, unnecessary, or weak. But for the believer, the cross is the power of God. It’s through the cross that we see the depth of God's love and the power of His salvation.

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The Cross Demonstrates God's Love

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
— Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

Jesus didn’t die for us when we were righteous—He died when we were still sinners. The cross is not just a historical event; it's a living, enduring testament of divine love. It shows us that God’s love is unconditional and sacrificial.

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The Cross Was Necessary for Reconciliation

“And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.”
— Colossians 1:20 (NKJV)

Sin separated us from God, but the cross built a bridge. Through Jesus' blood, we now have peace with God. Reconciliation was impossible by our works or righteousness—it was only made possible by the cross of Christ.

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The Cross Brings New Life

“Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.”
— Romans 6:6 (NKJV)

Believers identify with Christ’s crucifixion—we put to death our old selves. The cross is not just about forgiveness; it’s about transformation. It marks the beginning of a new life in Christ, free from the bondage of sin.

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We Must Take Up Our Cross

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’”
— Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)

The cross isn’t just something Christ bore—it’s something His followers must also carry. To take up our cross is to die to self daily and follow Jesus, no matter the cost. It's a commitment to live a life of faith, obedience, and sacrifice.

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The Cross Is Our Only Boast

“But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
— Galatians 6:14 (NKJV)

The world boasts in power, fame, and self-achievement. But the Christian boasts in the cross alone. Why? Because everything we have—grace, forgiveness, hope, and eternal life—comes through what Jesus accomplished there.

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Never Lose Sight of the Cross

To the unbeliever, the cross may seem like nonsense. But for those of us who believe, it is the centerpiece of our faith. It is where:

• Love met justice

• Sin was paid for

• Grace was poured out

• Death was defeated

• Life began

Let us never lose sight of the cross. May we live each day thankful for what Jesus did and continually share the message of the cross, even if the world sees it as foolishness.

“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
— 1 Corinthians 2:2 (NKJV)

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