The Cross
In the Bible, the cross symbolizes both suffering and redemption. It is most prominently associated with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which serves as the pivotal event in Christian theology. The cross represents the ultimate sacrifice, where Jesus bore the sins of humanity, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament (Isaiah 53:5, for instance, speaks of the suffering servant). This act not only exemplifies God's immense love and grace (John 3:16) but also opens the pathway for reconciliation between God and humanity. In Galatians 6:14, Paul writes, "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ," underscoring the cross as the central theme of Christian identity and hope.Moreover, the cross also symbolizes the call to discipleship and the Christian life. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus instructs His followers to "take up their cross and follow me," indicating that embracing the cross involves self-denial, suffering, and commitment to Christ's teachings. This dual nature of the cross, as both a symbol of Christ’s suffering and a call to personal sacrifice, encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith—where through death comes life, and through suffering comes salvation. Thus, the cross is not merely a historical artifact but a profound emblem of faith, transformation, and hope in the believer's journey.
The Cross104
(Becoming a Prophetic Church) 1. the Necessity of the Cross
By Art Katz18K46:04Suffering and RedemptionThe CrossPSA 49:7ISA 53:5Art Katz emphasizes the necessity of the cross in understanding both the individual and collective destiny of Israel and the church. He reflects on the significance of suffering, particularly in relation to the crucifixion of Jesus, and how it serves as a ransom for sin. Katz argues that without a deep comprehension of the cross and its implications, both Jews and Gentiles risk missing the profound truth of God's redemptive plan. He warns that the future suffering of Israel will mirror the suffering of Christ, revealing the depths of God's mercy and justice. Ultimately, Katz calls for a prophetic understanding of suffering as essential for fulfilling God's purpose in the world.
The Cross and the Dynamic of Victory
By T. Austin-Sparks2.5K46:51The CrossJOB 1:21MAT 6:33ROM 8:18PHP 1:29PHP 2:5PHP 4:13JAS 1:2In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the theme of triumph in the history of the church in Philippi. He highlights how the church faced adversity and suffering but emerged victorious. The speaker emphasizes the importance of applying the principle of surrendering to God and being willing to suffer for His sake. He uses the example of a jealous wife who learns to let go and surrender her desires to God. The speaker also references the apostle Paul and how he was able to count all things as loss for the sake of Christ. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to trust in God's sovereignty and to be willing to surrender and suffer for His glory.
Reality Through the Cross
By T. Austin-Sparks2.4K44:35The CrossMAT 3:7MAT 13:24MAT 23:13LUK 16:13JHN 3:1EPH 6:17HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reality in the kingdom of God. He explains that simply preaching the word or having knowledge of the Bible is not enough. Jesus desired a seamless connection between truth and life, doctrine and character. The speaker highlights the parables of the sower and the wheat and tares as examples of this principle. He concludes by stating that as we continue to walk with God, our concern for reality should deepen.
The All Inclusiveness of the Cross
By T. Austin-Sparks1.9K1:08:27The CrossROM 5:8ROM 8:31ROM 8:38In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the great thought of God's plan for humanity. The letter mentioned in the sermon is believed to be the Bible, which contains the teachings of the apostles inspired by the Holy Spirit. The speaker highlights that throughout history, God has been working through the hands of the apostles to guide humanity towards righteousness. The sermon also emphasizes the power of the cross and its ability to bring salvation and eternal life to those who believe in Jesus. The speaker encourages listeners to delve into the depths of the Bible to fully grasp the magnitude of God's plan for humanity.
The Cross of Christ - Part 1
By Art Katz1.8K55:59Suffering and RedemptionThe CrossCross of ChristMAT 27:37Art Katz emphasizes the profound significance of the Cross of Christ, illustrating how it reveals both the nature of God and the reality of human existence. He argues that our failures, divisions, and misunderstandings stem from a distorted perception of God, which can only be rectified by confronting the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. Katz highlights that true faith and understanding of God arise from recognizing the depth of suffering and the abandonment experienced by Christ, which challenges our conventional views of success and spirituality. He calls for a return to the Cross as the foundation of Christian faith, urging believers to embrace the reality of suffering as a means to true liberation and understanding. Ultimately, he posits that the Cross is not just a symbol but the very essence of God's revelation to humanity.
The All-Inclusiveness of the Cross
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K1:08:27The CrossROM 5:8ROM 6:23ROM 8:1ROM 8:28ROM 8:31ROM 8:33In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the cross in relation to the human experience and God's universe. The sermon emphasizes the importance of accepting the reality of the cross and its impact on our lives. The preacher also highlights the concept of faith and its role in strengthening our connection with Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes by reminding listeners that even in times of difficulty and adversity, God is present and working in their lives.
The Cross and the Two Humanities
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K1:08:54The CrossACT 18:101CO 1:171CO 1:231CO 2:2HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker addresses a questionnaire that was sent to the apostle Paul by the church in Corinth. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the context in which the letter was written, highlighting that Paul spent two years in Corinth preaching and ministering. The speaker also emphasizes the centrality of the message of the cross in Paul's preaching, referencing passages such as 1 Corinthians 1:18 and 2:2. The sermon concludes by mentioning the power of the word of God, described as living and active, and its ability to pierce the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
The Cross and Emancipation From Circumscribed Horizons
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K1:18:06The CrossMAT 6:33EPH 4:1EPH 5:22EPH 5:25EPH 5:31EPH 5:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of walking in the calling that God has given us, despite the difficult conditions of the world. He encourages husbands and wives to apply this principle in their relationships. The speaker also highlights the reality that sometimes, after a lifetime of costly ministry, there may be little visible fruit or recognition. However, he reminds listeners that even a small impact on someone's life can make a significant difference. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the work of the Holy Spirit in leading believers beyond their intellectual understanding and into a deeper spiritual experience.
The Cross and the Ministry of the Unveiled Face
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K1:06:59The CrossROM 6:61CO 1:181CO 2:101CO 2:13COL 3:162TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the ministry of Christ in the world. He highlights that as believers, we are vessels through which Christ ministers to the spiritual needs of others. The speaker encourages the audience to read the letter to the Galatians and reflect on the distinction between the ministry of Christ and our own efforts. He concludes by acknowledging our weaknesses as human vessels but reminds us that we carry the treasure of Christ within us.
The Cross in Communion
By Art Katz1.4K45:05The CrossMRK 9:2MRK 9:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of retaining the vision of the transfigured Lord in the face of demonic opposition and challenges. He encourages believers to persist in prayer and devotion, even when it may feel inadequate, as God imparts something to them in those moments. The speaker also highlights the need to break free from a utilitarian mentality that expects a measured return for one's investment, as the kingdom of God operates on a lavish and extravagant principle. By breaking the power of this worldly wisdom, believers can have authority over dark spirits and demons, as they are no longer influenced by their authority.
(Pdf Book) the Cross in the Crossfire
By Sister Joela1.3K00:00The CrossEbooksUnity in ChristDeceptionMAT 24:4JHN 9:41JHN 15:12ROM 8:181CO 2:22CO 12:9EPH 2:15COL 1:192TH 2:10REV 12:11Sister Joela emphasizes the critical importance of recognizing our susceptibility to deception and the necessity of clinging to the truth of the cross in her sermon 'The Cross in the Crossfire.' She warns against the complacency that can arise from living in a Christian culture, urging believers to confront their own blindness and self-deception. Joela highlights that the message of the cross, often dismissed as foolishness, is the cornerstone of faith and the source of true unity among believers. She calls for a renewal of love for Jesus and His sacrifice, reminding us that the cross is both a symbol of salvation and a point of division in a world increasingly hostile to its message. Ultimately, she encourages Christians to prepare for future trials by grounding themselves in Scripture and the truth of the Gospel.
The Cross in Psalm 51
By Art Katz1.2K1:14:35The CrossPSA 14:3PSA 51:1PSA 51:15ISA 53:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the holiness and costliness of God's mercy. He warns against reducing the message of salvation to a formula or turning it into shallow choruses. The speaker highlights the need for sacrifice and judgment to pay the penalty for sin. He also discusses the consequences of living in sin and the importance of living in righteousness and obedience to God. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and a plea for God's heart to be received.
The Cross in Gethsemane
By Art Katz1.2K52:08The CrossMAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and maintaining a connection with God. He shares his personal experience of waking up at 4 a.m. and feeling led by the Lord to deliver a message. The preacher highlights the need for believers to seek reality in God and not be deceived by worldly distractions. While he initially considers speaking on the theme of Israel, he feels compelled to share a burden of another kind. The sermon emphasizes that in the kingdom of God, nothing is minor.
The Cross in Isaiah 53
By Art Katz1.2K1:14:48The CrossISA 52:15ISA 53:2MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the significance of the suffering of Jesus on the cross, which occurred 2,000 years ago. He describes it as a remarkable strategy from God to redeem not only a nation but also all nations. The speaker explains that the suffering of Jesus was a judgment from God, as he bore the wrath and anger that mankind deserved. He also highlights the importance of reading and studying theology to understand the depth and legacy of passages like Isaiah 53.
Good Friday
By Michael Koulianos4056:20The CrossGood FridayDiscipleship1CO 1:18Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of Christ's crucifixion, asserting that the message of the cross is both foolishness to the world and the power of God to believers. He reflects on how God chooses the weak and foolish to confound the wise, urging the church to focus on Jesus rather than personal achievements or numbers. Koulianos challenges the audience to embrace a deeper relationship with Christ, highlighting that true discipleship involves self-denial and taking up one's cross. He warns against the dangers of making faith about personal gain and encourages a return to the foundational message of the gospel centered on Christ crucified. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation of the impending return of Jesus and the importance of being a pure and devoted bride.
Southern Salt Morning 1
By David Ravenhill291:11:16The CrossChristian LifeSpiritual Maturity1JN 2:12David Ravenhill emphasizes the profound significance of the cross, arguing that many Christians misunderstand its purpose. He explains that Jesus died not only to forgive sins but to reclaim humanity for God, restoring the original intent of creation. Ravenhill outlines three stages of spiritual maturity—children, young men, and fathers—highlighting the importance of understanding our identity in Christ and living for His purposes. He challenges the audience to recognize that they are not their own but have been bought with a price, urging them to surrender their lives fully to God. The sermon concludes with a call to respond to God's call and purpose in their lives.
Forgiven and Crucified
By Phil Beach Jr.281:14:33The CrossForgivenessIdentity in Christ1CO 1:10GAL 2:20PHP 3:8Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the profound truth that while believers are forgiven through Christ, they must also recognize their identity as crucified with Him. He highlights the struggles of the Corinthian church, which, despite their knowledge of grace, faced divisions due to a lack of understanding of the cross's full implications. Beach calls for a deeper revelation of being crucified with Christ, urging believers to let go of self and allow Christ to live through them. He stresses that true unity and spiritual maturity in the church can only be achieved when individuals embrace their crucified identity and live by the power of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the message is about surrendering the self-life to experience the fullness of Christ in our lives.
The Cross & Deception
By Phil Beach Jr.2736:52The CrossDeceptionCross of ChristROM 6:6GAL 2:20Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of staying at the cross, explaining that it represents both an end and a new beginning in our relationship with God. He clarifies that the cross signifies the end of sin, flesh, and Satan's power, urging believers to understand their identity as new creations in Christ. Beach warns against deception, highlighting the importance of aligning our experiences with the truth of God's Word rather than allowing our feelings to dictate our understanding. He encourages believers to maintain a posture of prayer and dependence on God, as deception often arises from a lack of discernment and prayerlessness. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to live by the truth of Scripture to combat deception and grow in faith.
The Tree
By Michael Koulianos2741:04SalvationThe CrossCross of ChristGEN 2:15EXO 15:22PSA 16:10MAT 11:28JHN 20:11ROM 5:81CO 2:8GAL 3:13COL 2:14HEB 2:14Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of the cross and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as the ultimate revelation of God's character and love for humanity. He explains that through His death, Jesus conquered sin, death, and hell, offering hope and salvation to all who believe. Koulianos highlights the transformative power of the cross, urging listeners to allow Jesus to cast the tree of the cross into their hearts to heal their bitterness and sin. He passionately calls for a personal commitment to Christ, reminding everyone that true freedom and life come from surrendering to Him. The sermon culminates in an invitation for individuals to publicly declare their faith and receive the gift of salvation.
The Cross, the Crown, the King
By Shane Idleman1931:32SalvationThe CrossMAT 12:40LUK 2:34JHN 12:32GAL 3:13HEB 12:21PE 2:24Shane Idleman emphasizes the significance of the cross, the crown, and the King in his sermon, urging believers to recognize the importance of fasting and spiritual discipline in a world where appetites often distract from God. He reflects on the necessity of understanding the bad news of sin to fully appreciate the good news of grace, highlighting that the cross serves as a bridge from death to life. Idleman passionately explains that Jesus willingly bore our sins, conquering death and offering salvation, and he encourages the congregation to embrace the cross as the central point of their faith. He warns against the dilution of the Gospel message in contemporary culture and calls for a return to the truth of Scripture. Ultimately, he invites listeners to remember the power of the cross and the blood of Christ during communion, emphasizing the transformative relationship it offers.
The Two Sides of the Cross
By David Ravenhill191:13:36The CrossCross of ChristSpiritual Maturity1CO 6:19David Ravenhill emphasizes the profound significance of the cross in the Christian faith, arguing that many believers have a skewed understanding of its purpose. He explains that the cross is not merely about personal salvation but about God's desire to reclaim His creation for His glory. Ravenhill outlines three stages of spiritual maturity—children, young men, and fathers—highlighting the importance of moving beyond a self-centered faith to a life dedicated to serving God. He urges the congregation to recognize that they are not their own, having been bought with a price, and to live in a way that glorifies God. The sermon concludes with a call to surrender one's life fully to Christ, embracing His lordship.
The Price, Power and Presence of the Cross
By Shane Idleman1732:13Resurrection PowerThe CrossPHP 2:7Shane Idleman emphasizes the significance of the cross in his sermon 'The Price, Power and Presence of the Cross,' explaining that the cross represents the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus for humanity's sins and the power of His resurrection. He discusses how the world is offended by the message of the cross, which is rooted in the resurrection, and how this offense stems from the transformative power of Christ. Idleman highlights the necessity of recognizing the price paid for salvation and the importance of embracing the power of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives. He encourages listeners to seek the presence of God, reminding them that true hope and strength come from a relationship with Jesus. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and a reminder that today is the day of salvation.
The Significance of the Cross
By Peter Brandon845:54SalvationThe CrossISA 53:5MAT 27:46LUK 23:42JHN 3:16JHN 10:18ROM 5:81CO 1:18GAL 2:20HEB 9:281PE 2:24Peter Brandon emphasizes the profound significance of the cross in his sermon, illustrating how it represents the power of God for salvation, despite being perceived as foolishness by the world. He explores the dignity of Christ's death, the pain He endured, and the prophetic nature of His sacrifice, highlighting that Jesus was the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. Brandon also addresses the personal revelation of the cross, urging listeners to recognize their own sinfulness and the love of God demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice. He concludes by encouraging a heartfelt response to the cross, emphasizing that true salvation comes through a personal revelation of Christ's love and sacrifice.
The Spectators of the Cross
By Peter Brandon736:23The CrossResponses to ChristMAT 27:31Peter Brandon's sermon 'The Spectators of the Cross' reflects on the various responses of people witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus. He emphasizes the indifference of some, the mockery of others, and the deep love of Mary, who stood by the cross. Brandon argues that the significance of the cross is timeless, as it represents the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins and the profound love of God. He urges listeners to confront their own responses to the cross, whether through indifference, fear, or adoration, and to recognize the call to repentance and faith. Ultimately, he highlights that the preaching of the cross remains a powerful medium through which God communicates His love and salvation.
Why Did Jesus Christ Die?
By Peter Brandon538:42The CrossRedemptionPSA 22:1ISA 53:5MAT 27:46LUK 23:42JHN 3:16ROM 6:231CO 1:182CO 5:21HEB 9:281PE 1:20Peter Brandon preaches on the profound significance of Christ's death, emphasizing that the crucifixion was not merely a martyrdom but a divine necessity foretold by prophets throughout history. He explores the dignity of the cross, the physical and spiritual suffering of Jesus, and the mystery behind His cry of abandonment, 'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?' Brandon highlights that this moment was essential for the redemption of humanity, as Jesus bore the weight of sin and judgment on our behalf. Ultimately, he calls for personal acceptance of this truth, urging listeners to recognize that Christ died for their individual sins, offering forgiveness and salvation.