Here is an introduction for Message 1 of Christ Crucified
Christ Crucified
For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Cor. 1:22-24)
A man named Jesus hanging dead on a cross occupies center stage of the Christian faith. He had been executed like a common criminal in his day. To his fellow Jews, death by crucifixion was an abomination, a sign that he was cursed by God. To everyone else, crucifixion was a sign of pathetic weakness, a despicable way to die reserved for only the most despicable people. But to his followers, the cross was not what it seemed. It wasn’t foolishness; it was actually the wisdom of God. And it wasn’t weakness; it was actually the power of God. It was through the cross of Jesus that God would take away sin and redeem the world. And so, his followers grew in their resolve to center their lives, their faith, and their preaching on Christ crucified. One theologian said, “You do not understand Christ till you understand his Cross.” This Sunday, we begin a twelve-week journey to understand the cross so that we might understand Christ.
Scriptures:
The Passion accounts in all four Gospels; 1 Corinthians 1:22-25
Questions to Consider:
1. Why is the cross central to Christianity? How would you explain it to your friend?
2. Why was the cross a stumbling block to the Jews? Foolishness to the Gentiles?
3. How is the cross seen today? How do you see it?
4. Why is Christ crucified precious to you today?
7 Mile Road Church
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