C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of seeking a deep, personal connection with Jesus, urging believers to confront their spiritual apathy and return to the cross for renewal. He reflects on the struggles of feeling distant from the Savior and the necessity of recognizing the gravity of such a state. Spurgeon encourages the faithful to remember their initial salvation experience and to approach the cross with humility, seeking restoration and rekindling their love for Christ. He reminds us that true joy and fellowship with Jesus can only be found by looking into His eyes and embracing His sacrifice.

Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the significance of the cross of Christ, asserting that it is the only way to the Father and the source of true life. He explains that the preaching of the cross may seem foolish to the world, but for believers, it is the power and wisdom of God. Waldvogel highlights the necessity of being crucified with Christ, which leads to a life free from the bondage of sin and the flesh. He urges listeners to take up their cross daily, aligning their will with God's, and to embrace the transformative power of the cross in their lives. Ultimately, the cross represents not just death, but the promise of new life in Christ.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the face of God throughout human history, illustrating how the expulsion from Eden marked a separation from God's presence. He connects this theme to the Cross of Christ, where Jesus experienced ultimate desolation, crying out in forsakenness, yet through His sacrifice, believers are granted access to God's face once more. The sermon highlights the wilderness as a symbol of spiritual desolation, contrasting it with the joy of being in the light of God's countenance, which is restored through faith in Christ. Ultimately, Sparks reassures that through Jesus, believers can experience an open heaven and never face total forsakenness again.

G.W. North emphasizes the tragedy of the Corinthians who, in their pursuit of wisdom, became carnal and misused spiritual gifts for selfish ends, leading to a hollow expression of faith. He highlights that true wisdom, represented as a pearl of great price, is unique and should not be debased by worldly desires. North teaches that to be a true Christian, one must embrace the crucifixion of self, as a crucified person is eternally alive in Christ. He warns that any wisdom or gifts not rooted in the power of the crucified Christ are ultimately ineffective and devoid of spiritual value. The sermon calls for a return to the understanding that true wisdom and power come only through the cross of Christ.

J.C. Ryle emphasizes the paramount importance of the doctrine of Christ crucified, asserting that it is the foundation of Christian faith and the key to understanding God's love and atonement for sin. He argues that this doctrine is essential for personal peace, church prosperity, and missionary success, as it uniquely reveals a dying Savior unlike any other religion. Ryle warns against any teaching that neglects the cross, stating that it is the only true source of comfort and transformation for believers and the world. He encourages listeners to behold the cross, reminding them of Christ's love and sacrifice, which should lead to repentance and faith. Ultimately, Ryle calls for a deeper understanding and appreciation of Christ crucified as the heart of the Gospel.

Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound significance of Jesus' declaration 'It is finished' from John 19:30, asserting that these words encapsulate the culmination of Old Testament prophecies and the foundation of New Testament truth. He reflects on the weight of these words, suggesting they signify the end of sin's power and the completion of redemption, contrasting the fleeting nature of modern words with the eternal impact of Christ's sacrifice. Ravenhill passionately argues that this moment terrified hell and marked the ultimate victory over sin and death, highlighting the necessity of recognizing the depth of Christ's suffering and the grace offered to humanity. He calls for believers to proclaim this truth boldly, reminding them that salvation cannot be earned but is a gift to be accepted in humility.

Horatius Bonar emphasizes the significance of the 'pierced one,' Jesus Christ, who was crucified for humanity's sins. He discusses the roles of the piercers, including both Jews and Gentiles, and highlights that all of humanity shares in the guilt of His crucifixion. Bonar explains that true mourning comes from looking upon the pierced one, which leads to genuine sorrow produced by the Holy Spirit. This sorrow is deep and transformative, stemming from recognizing Christ's infinite love, our rejection of it, and the suffering He endured for us. Ultimately, Bonar calls for believers to look to Jesus for salvation and healing.

Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the true meaning of 'Hosanna' during Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, clarifying that Jesus did not come to establish a political kingdom but to save humanity from sin and self. He challenges the congregation to reflect on their reasons for calling on Jesus, urging them to seek deliverance from their own sinful nature rather than external circumstances. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus as King in our hearts and the necessity of clinging to the cross for true transformation. Beach Jr. calls for a deeper understanding of our identity in Christ, which involves dying to self and living through Him. Ultimately, he invites the congregation to embrace the true essence of salvation, which is found at the foot of the cross.

Charles Price emphasizes that the finished work of Christ at the cross reveals God's attributes, including His sovereignty, justice, righteousness, wisdom, and love. The cross is the ultimate display of God's glory, as it fulfills Old Testament prophecies and demonstrates His justice in punishing sin while offering salvation through Jesus. Price highlights that through Christ's obedience and sacrifice, we see the fullness of God's character and love for humanity. This understanding leads believers to glory in Christ's death, recognizing it as the foundation of their faith and relationship with God. Ultimately, the message is that God's glory is intertwined with Christ's sacrifice, which is the source of our own glory as Christians.

Alexander Maclaren emphasizes that God's love is proven through the death of Christ, which serves as the ultimate evidence of His love for humanity. He argues that the belief in a loving God is not self-evident and requires substantial proof, which is found in the sacrificial act of Jesus on the cross. Maclaren highlights that this act is not only a demonstration of divine love but also a necessary response to human sinfulness, bridging the gap between God's righteousness and love. He urges listeners to recognize the significance of Christ's death as a personal and eternal testament to God's unwavering love. Ultimately, Maclaren calls for a heartfelt response to this love, encouraging believers to love God in return.

Peter Brandon emphasizes the significance of the altar of God in his sermon, drawing from 1 Kings 18, where Elijah confronts the idolatry of Israel under King Ahab. He highlights the need for a repaired altar, symbolizing the cross, as a foundation for revival and unity among God's people. Brandon warns against the fervor of false worship, exemplified by the prophets of Baal, and calls for a return to genuine faith that embraces all believers while excluding worldly influences. He stresses that true power with God comes from understanding and living out the transformative nature of the cross, which leads to spiritual fruitfulness and revival. The sermon concludes with a call for prayer and unity among believers to seek God's blessing and revival.

David Wilkerson addresses the issue of present-day idolatry, drawing parallels between the ancient worship of idols and the modern distractions that can lead believers away from the true gospel. He emphasizes that just as God condemned idolatry in the Old Testament, He continues to despise it today, warning against being misled by false teachings that deviate from the message of the cross. Wilkerson urges discernment in the face of a new wave of idolatry sweeping across America, highlighting the importance of centering worship and messages on the cross of Christ. He references Paul's warning about turning to a different gospel, affirming the need for true ministers who uphold the integrity of the gospel. Ultimately, he calls for vigilance against the perversion of the gospel that threatens to undermine faith.

G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the crucifixion of Christ as a temporal event that reveals eternal truths about God's love and sacrifice. He explains that while the crucifixion was a pivotal moment in history, it is merely the visible manifestation of a deeper, eternal reality that has existed since before creation. North argues that all sacrifices, including those in the Old Testament, point back to the original sacrifice of the Lamb, which transcends time and is foundational to understanding God's righteousness. He encourages believers to look beyond the visible and grasp the invisible, eternal truths that the cross represents. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper appreciation of the cross as both a historical event and a reflection of God's eternal nature.

Watchman Nee emphasizes the urgency of returning to the Cross of Christ in the face of dark forces that have been unleashed, leading the Church into a state of apostasy. He warns that the Church is becoming increasingly desensitized to sin, losing sight of the gravity of its consequences due to a disconnect from Christ's atoning sacrifice. The sermon calls for a fresh revelation of sin and a return to the light of Calvary, which reveals the true nature of sin and the need for repentance. Nee urges believers to confront their own hearts and recognize the seriousness of sin, encouraging them to allow the Cross to soften their hearts and restore their relationship with God.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of seeing God's face, tracing the journey from humanity's expulsion from Eden to the promise of seeing God's face in Revelation. He highlights that the cross of Christ is the pivotal moment that restores the possibility of fellowship with God, transforming desolation into hope. The wilderness symbolizes spiritual desolation, yet through Christ's sacrifice, believers are assured of God's presence and favor. Ultimately, the sermon reassures that despite feelings of abandonment, believers can trust in God's promise of never being forsaken, culminating in the glorious vision of seeing His face in eternity.

Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the necessity of taking the cross of Christ sincerely, warning that many Christians are enemies of the cross, focused on earthly desires rather than heavenly things. He laments that many walk in a way that leads to destruction, as they prioritize their own comforts and pleasures over a genuine relationship with Christ. Waldvogel calls for believers to crucify their old selves and to live in the power of Christ's resurrection, urging them to be heavenly-minded and to seek true fellowship with Him. He challenges the audience to reflect on their spiritual lives and to abandon the distractions of the world, reminding them that true spirituality is rooted in the cross and the suffering of Christ. Ultimately, he encourages a life that is fully surrendered to God, where one's conversation is genuinely in heaven.

Art Katz delivers a powerful sermon titled 'God Crucified,' emphasizing the profound suffering of Christ on the Cross and the necessity for believers to truly understand the horror of sin and its cost to God. He challenges the audience to move beyond a superficial understanding of the Cross, warning against a 'plastic' faith that lacks depth and conviction. Katz urges listeners to embrace the reality of Christ's humiliation and sacrifice, recognizing that true faith is rooted in the acknowledgment of God's suffering for humanity. He calls for a radical commitment to holiness and a rejection of iniquity, reminding the congregation that only through the Cross can they find true salvation and strength to overcome sin. The message culminates in a heartfelt invitation to come to the Cross in truth and sincerity.

David Wilkerson addresses the struggle of a man trapped in sin, who despite his efforts to break free, finds himself ensnared and weary. He emphasizes that the confrontation of the cross is essential for true liberation, as it calls for a radical death to sin and self-will. The message of the cross is not easy, but it offers a path to victory, peace, and new life through Christ. Wilkerson urges listeners to embrace the crisis of their sin and respond to Christ's call to deny themselves and follow Him. Ultimately, the cross is the only way to experience true freedom and restoration.

Watchman Nee emphasizes the necessity of separation from the world and dedication to God as foundational principles of Christian living. He illustrates the stark contrast between Babylon, representing worldly values, and the New Jerusalem, symbolizing holiness and divine purpose. Nee argues that true understanding and revelation of God's plan require a spiritual ascent, urging believers to build a moral barrier against worldly influences. He highlights that the Cross of Christ signifies the world's judgment and calls Christians to recognize their crucifixion to the world and the world's crucifixion to them. Ultimately, he asserts that spiritual deliverance comes from seeing the world as doomed and aligning oneself with God's eternal purpose.

J.C. Ryle emphasizes the centrality of the cross of Christ in the Christian faith, urging believers to reflect deeply on their personal feelings and thoughts about it. He highlights the Apostle Paul's declaration of glory solely in the cross, contrasting it with the many things Paul could have boasted about, such as his heritage, works, and knowledge. Ryle warns against self-righteousness and the dangers of relying on personal merit for salvation, asserting that true faith rests entirely on Christ's sacrifice. He encourages Christians to continually meditate on the cross, as it embodies God's love, the seriousness of sin, and the completeness of salvation. Ultimately, Ryle calls for a faith that mirrors Paul's, one that finds glory and hope solely in the cross of Jesus Christ.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the immense significance of Jesus Christ as Crucified, Risen, and Exalted, urging believers to see Him as the focal point of the Bible and their lives. He reflects on the transformation of Saul of Tarsus, who, upon encountering the glorified Christ, realized the depth of his own humanity and the cosmic implications of the Cross. Sparks explains that the Cross represents not only the death of the old humanity but also the birth of a new creation, with the Church called to embody this reality. He stresses that true ministry and the Church's purpose are rooted in the Cross, which serves as the foundation for the Holy Spirit's work. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the Cross's power and its implications for believers today.

T. Austin-Sparks explores the profound transformation that occurs through the Cross of Christ, emphasizing the dual nature of humanity as both fallen and redeemed. He outlines the original design of man, the impact of the Fall, and the necessity of recognizing our sinful state to embrace the new life offered through Christ's sacrifice. The sermon highlights the importance of understanding the Cross not just as a means of forgiveness but as the pathway to becoming a new creation in Christ. Sparks warns against the dangers of living from the 'natural man' and stresses that true spiritual maturity comes from a deep realization of the Cross's implications in our lives. Ultimately, he calls believers to a crisis of faith that leads to the ascendency of the new man and a life governed by the Spirit.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the mutual rejection between Paul and the world, illustrating how Paul, through his faith in Christ, became indifferent to worldly values and pursuits. He highlights that Paul’s boast was solely in the cross of Jesus, which led to a profound separation from worldly desires. This mutual disdain signifies a deep commitment to spiritual truths over earthly attachments, showcasing the transformative power of the cross in a believer's life.