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  THE INVITATION OF THE CROSS
  by David Wilkerson
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Summary: David Wilkerson's sermon calls for a return to the message of
the cross as the only solution for sin and burdens in life.

Topics: "Repentance", "The Cross"
Scripture References: Isaiah 53:5, Jeremiah 23:14, Jeremiah 23:22, Matthew 11:28, Luke 9:23, John 8:36, Romans 6:6, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 5:1, 1 Peter 2:24

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DESCRIPTION
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David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound invitation of the cross, calling
all who are burdened by sin and despair to come to Jesus for rest and
liberation. He highlights that Jesus' sacrifice not only forgives sin
but also breaks its power over our lives, restoring peace and communion
with God. Wilkerson warns against modern churches that neglect the
message of the cross, focusing instead on superficial methods to attract
congregants, which ultimately leads to spiritual complacency. He urges
ministers to return to the true message of repentance and the demands of
the cross, lest they lead their people astray. The call to forsake sin
and embrace the cross is a crucial message for all believers.

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CONTENT
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God looked down upon a sin-sick world of people bound in prison-houses
of fear and despair and He sent His own Son. Jesus came to earth, taking
on the frailty of human flesh, and told all who would listen: "Come unto
me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"
(Matthew 11:28).

The invitation of the cross is a call to every soul that is sick of sin.
Jesus calls out to all who are burdened with binding chains, powerful
habits, besetting sins. "Come to Me now with all your heavy burdens.
There is no other way but through My cross!" Jesus died on the cross not
only to forgive sin, but to break its wearying power over us. You see,
sin wearies the flesh. It saps away all that is good and kind and
precious. It hardens the heart, destroying peace and causing guilt,
sorrow and shame. It consumes the mind's thoughts, weakening and
darkening the soul. Sin brings on fear and, worst of all, it shuts off
all communion with God.

If I were to preach about the demands of the cross in many churches
today, with its death to all lusts and worldly pleasures, the crowds
would flee, just as they did when Jesus told them of the cost of
following Him.

Such churches never even mention the cross. Instead, they pour their
energies into clever meetings full of showmanship, dramatic
illustrations, and sermons on how to cope with life's problems.

I believe God must wink at many of these frail attempts to attract souls
with modern enticements. He seems to have much patience with such well-
intentioned, fleshly efforts to promote the gospel. But God help the
ministers of these churches if they refuse to warn their people to
forsake their sins.

Jeremiah lamented, "They strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that
none doth return from his wickedness . . ." (Jeremiah 23:14).

"But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear
my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and
from the evil of their doings" (verse 22). I say to ministers, "Bring
back the cross -- or the people's blood will be upon your hands."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/david-wilkerson/the-invitation-of-the-cross/
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