Welcome to a profound and heartfelt sermon delivered at Church for You - Independent Baptist, centred on The Cross as described in Luke 23:26-46.
In this message, we explore the deep significance of the cross—not merely as a historical event or symbol of suffering, but as the ultimate revelation of God’s redemptive love, forgiveness, and the power of salvation through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.
Join us as we reflect on the cross’s transformative message and its call to compassion, faith, and surrender to God’s divine purpose.
Key Scripture: Luke 23:26-46
The sermon draws from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 23, verses 26 to 46, which recount the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The passage begins with Simon of Cyrene being compelled to carry the cross behind Jesus, followed by a crowd, including women who mourned for Him. Jesus, in His compassion, turns to them, urging, “Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children” (v. 28), foretelling coming hardships. At Calvary, Jesus is crucified alongside two criminals, one mocking Him, the other humbly seeking salvation.
Even in agony, Jesus prays, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (v. 34), and promises the repentant thief, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (v. 43). As darkness covers the earth and the temple veil is torn, Jesus surrenders His spirit to the Father, declaring, “Into thy hands I commend my spirit” (v. 46).
We also reference 1 Corinthians 1:18, which states, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God.” This verse sets the tone for the message, emphasising the cross as the ultimate display of God’s power and love, despite appearing as weakness or folly to the world.
The sermon, titled simply The Cross, invites us to reflect on its profound meaning. The cross is not just a moment of intense suffering but the pinnacle of God’s redemptive plan. It is where divine mercy meets human pain, where Jesus, fully God and fully human, bears the weight of humanity’s sin.
The cross reveals:
God’s Redemptive Love: Jesus’ prayer for forgiveness, even for those crucifying Him, demonstrates a love that endures pain and offers redemption to all, exemplified by the repentant thief’s salvation.
A Protest Against Numbness: In a world desensitised to suffering—flooded with news of wars, tragedies, and injustice—the cross forces us to confront pain. It calls us to empathy, compassion, and tenderness, as Jesus carried the world’s grief (Isaiah 53:4: “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows”).
A Protest Against Oppressive Power: Society often glorifies power, control, and dominance, but the cross redefines true power as love, surrender, and resistance to evil. Jesus’ outstretched arms on the cross embrace all humanity, showing a God who suffers with us and plants hope in chaos.
The Power of Salvation: The cross is not about wooden beams but what they represent—Christ’s perfect, sinless life sacrificed for our sins. His death and resurrection offer forgiveness and eternal life to all who trust in Him.
Key Themes and Reflections
Compassion in Suffering: The cross challenges us to share in the pain of others, as Romans 12:15 urges, “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” By bearing humanity’s suffering, Jesus calls us to reflect His compassion in a hurting world.
Salvation by Faith Alone: The sermon passionately clarifies that salvation is not earned through works, baptism, church membership, or keeping the Ten Commandments. It is by faith alone in Christ’s death and resurrection. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, paid for every sin—gross, blasphemous, or impure—through His blood on the cross. As Romans 3:23 reminds us, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” No one can earn, buy, or bluff their way to heaven; salvation is a gift received through faith in Christ alone.
A Call to Trust Christ: The message urges listeners to turn from self-reliance or religious traditions and trust Jesus as Savior. By believing in His death for our sins and His resurrection, we are cleansed of all sin—past, present, and future—and assured of eternal life.
Application for Today
The cross demands a response. For believers, it calls us to live with gratitude, hope, and assurance of God’s love, walking with Christ in compassion and faith. For those who have not yet trusted Christ, the sermon is a heartfelt invitation: acknowledge your sin, believe Jesus died for you, and trust Him as your Savior. As 2 Corinthians 6:2 declares, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Let this message inspire you to trust in Jesus, share His love, and proclaim the power of the cross to a world in need.
#TheCross #Luke23 #Salvation #JesusChrist #FaithAlone #ChristianSermon #GodsLove #Redemption #Forgiveness #BibleStudy #Compassion #Crucifixion
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We expect to be LIVE at 10 AM & 6PM. Hope you can join us. www.youtube.com/aussiechurch/live ... See MoreSee Less
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