Introduction: In the past couple of weeks, Ps. Joanna has been bringing to us the Word for 2022 and beyond.

1. Transition = a change from one state or place to another

2. Transformation = a dramatic change in form or appearance

3. Transcendent = going beyond the normal or human experience

4. Exponential Growth = rapid increase or growth

These messages point us to God’s plan of salvation for mankind and man’s relationship with God. In God’s plan of salvation, there are three major components that make it complete namely:

1. The sender - He (God) sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave (Psalms 107:20).

2. The minister - You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you (John 15:16).

3. The message – In Romans 10: 14-15, I paraphrase, God (the sender) calls us (the ministers), equips us with the Holy Spirit, and gives us a message for the world.

4. But this message is hidden from so many people as 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 says, And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Today, it is my honor to present to you the message of the cross.

The Message of the Cross is a Simple Message

1 Corinthians 1: 23-24

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1. Jews were righteous in their own eyes and sought for signs and wonders before they believe while the Greeks try to reason why and how – seeking for wisdom.

2. Dear friends, are you a cake or coffee Christian, are you seeking for miracles before you commit to God? While these are good, the message of the cross is not cake or coffee or food. Neither is it money or miracles or blessings.

3. The message is Jesus and Him crucified. It is a message of believing in your heart (that Jesus died, and God raised him from the dead), and it is a message that is in your mouth (that we proclaim, “Jesus is Lord.”).

4. Your coming to church is to encounter Jesus. No one has ever encountered Jesus and their life remain the same. Ask blind Bartimaeus, ask the woman with the issue of blood, ask Paul, Lazarus, Nicodemus, Zacchaeus, and the disciples.

The Message of the Cross is a Strange Message

1 Corinthians 1:18 - For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Many see it as foolishness because they are wise in their own eyes. The message of the cross doesn’t make sense because people don’t give heed to it. And it is not appealing to us because it is not what we want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
Many people don’t want to be offended and preachers have ignored the message of the cross so that people don’t run away. TO do so is to deprive people of the power and the blessings of God. Any message that makes you comfortable in your sin is a ticked to hell.

The Message of the Cross is a Shocking but Shameless Message

It demonstrates the picture of the pain, shame, and brutal death Jesus went through for us.
Scourged – Matthew 27:26. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered [him] to be crucified.
Spit upon – Matt 27:30. And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
Stripped Naked – Matt 27:35. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, they parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
Nailed to the Cross – Matt 27:38; Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
Beaten – Luke 22:63-64. And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote [him]. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
Beard Plucked from His Face – Isaiah 50:6. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. Is 52: 14 says Just as there were many who were appalled at him[a]— his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness
I bet nobody wants to be beaten, stripped naked and ridiculed in the public. But Jesus went through the shame and disgrace so that we will not be ashamed of the message:Romans 1:16 says For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

The Message of the Cross is a Symbolic Message

A cross is a geometrical figure consisting of two intersecting lines or bars. The message of the cross is a message that symbolizes:
The horizontal (negative) line.
A. The negative signs symbolize the consequences of our disobedience (sin)
B. It portrays the works of satan in our lives (to steal, kill, and destroy) John 10:10.
C. It shows the horizontal perspective of our lives and relationships
The vertical (positive) line.
A. Symbolizes cancelation of our debts and sins on the cross: Colossians 2: 13-15 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
B. Satan and his works are defeated: John 29:28-30 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Conclusion

The devil knows nothing better than keeping you in sin, sickness, in bondage, captivity, poverty and curses. But the message of the cross is the power of God unto salvation, healing, and freedom. It is a message of transition and transformation. It is a message of love and mercy.
A story is told of a young man who had been carrying a very heavy load for a long time and has come to the end of his road. A stranger met him and suggested he drops the load and turn back. Some of us are us are carrying loads that need to be dropped.