Sunday Sermon Summary – Sept 14 2025
Sunday Sermon Summary – Perspectives on the Holy Cross – Sept 14, 2025
1 Corinthians 1: 18-24, John 3: 13-17
The cross was never a symbol of the church in the early years. It was a detestable horrific symbol. Only after Constantine’s conversion the cross was made a symbol of love and victory.
1. From God’s perspective:
God’s ultimate plan for our Salvation
The serpent lifted up by Moses
John 3: 14, Galatians 3:13, Deuteronomy 21:23
God had planned the way for our salvation. It was by the vicarious death of Jesus Christ. Jesus became a curse to deliver us from the curse of the law. Jesus is the only way for salvation which is eternal life. No other name is given other than the name of Jesus by which we can be saved from sin. The bronze serpent that was lifted up in the wilderness by Moses is a symbol for us. There was no other way to be saved except to look at the serpent.
2. From those who are perishing:
Foolish, enemies of the cross
1 Corinthians 1:18, Philippians 3:18
The Bible calls these, who despise the cross as those who are perishing. They are perishing because they do not accept Jesus who was crucified on the cross as the only Saviour of the world. To them, the message of the cross is foolishness. Also there are many who use the cross just for gain. Their belly is their god. These are defined as enemies of the cross in Philippians 3:18.
So, to some the cross is foolishness and others are enemies of the cross.
3. From followers of Christ:
The power of God, Crucified with Christ
1 Corinthians 1:18, Galatians 2:20
We are blessed more than we can imagine. We who are followers of the cross; who are covered under the blood that was shed on Calvary are blessed with the power of God. To us the message of the cross is the power of God. The world has no idea about the power of God. Only we, who are true followers can experience the power of God. We love God because He first loved us and gave himself for us. The love of Christ constrains us so much that we are glad to be crucified with Christ nevertheless we live; and the life we live is for Christ only. We gladly bear our cross and follow Jesus and we say, “No turning back.” Amen