The Word of the Cross

by Pastor Bobby Stewart

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Verse 18 "For the preaching of the cross is to them

that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it

is the power of God."

*In this verse, the word "preaching" actually means "word".

John 1:1 reminds us that, "In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

*The cross is more than just a symbol. There was more

taking place on that cross of Calvary than just a man dieing.

There was a word going forth:

(1) A Saving Word

*On the cross was a saving savior. It's not the wooden cross

we preach. It's not the style with which we preach it. It's the

savior of the cross we preach. The message of this savior

is a message of salvation, and according to verse 18 it

is the power of God to save.

*To many who do not believe the saving word, it is "foolishness".

The word foolishness here in this verse means "absurd".

To someone who has knelt at the cross by faith as a poor

sinner who is: Terrified of Hell; Tainted with Sin; and

Tormented with Guilt, but found forgiveness - It is not

absurd.

(2) A Simple Word

*The Savior has a simple plan so even the simple can understand.

Verse 19 states "...I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and

bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."

So many make salvation so complicated.

The fact is we are all sinners (Romans 3:10; 23; 5:12).

The fact is Jesus died for all sinners to forgive all sin

(Romans 5:6-9; John 3:16; 2 Cor. 5:21; Hebrews 2:9; 2 Peter 3:9)

The fact is Faith in Jesus is the only way to Salvation (Romans 4;

Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:36)

(3) A Separating Word

*The difference between the saved and the lost is

the Savior of the cross.

Has the word of the cross ever made a difference in you?