At the cross man did his worse, but God did his best. The cross is the central theme of the Bible. It is to the Bible what my heart is to me. It is to the Bible what an engine is to a car. The Cross is why Jesus Came (Matthew 5:17; Matthew 20:28; Luke 19:10; John 3:17; John 10:10; I Timothy 1:15). The Cross is for everyone (1. John 1:6-9; I John 2:2;John 3:16; Romans 10:13; 2 Peter 3:9; Isaiah 45:22; Isaiah 53:6; Titus 2:11; Hebrews 2:9; Revelation 22:17).
I. The CAUSE of the Cross
The predicament of Man – Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12; Galatians 3:22; James 2:10-11; Isaiah 64:6; Psalm 14:1-3
The penalty of sin – Genesis 2:17; Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 3:23; Galatians 6:7-8
The providence of God – Acts 2:22-23; Luke 22:22
II. The CRUELTY of the Cross
He was Shackled – John 18:12
He was Sentenced – Mark 14:63-64
He was Stripped – Matthew 27:28
He was Smitten – John 19:3
He was Spit upon – Matthew 27:30
He was Scourged – Luke 18:33
He was Slain – 1 Corinthians 15:3; Mark 15:37
III. The CRIES from the Cross
A Forgiving cry – Luke 23:34
A Favouring cry – Luke 23:40-43
A Family cry – John 19:25-26
A Forsaking cry – Matthew 27:46
A Fervent cry – John 19:28; Psalm 32:3
A Finishing cry – John 19:30
A Farewell cry – Luke 23:46
IV. The CONQUEST of the Cross
Victory over Sin (Matt. 1:21; I Tim. 1:15)
Victory over Sickness (Matt. 8:17; Is. 53:5)
Victory over Sorrow (Isaiah 53:4)
Victory over Scourge (curses) (Gal. 3:13,14)
Victory over Suffering (John 10:10
Victory over Scarcity (2 Cor. 8:9)
Victory over Satan (1 John 3:8)
“The CROSS is a picture of violence, yet the key to peace,
a picture of suffering, yet the key to healing,
a picture of death, yet the key to life.”
