Perhaps the most familiar of all Christian symbols is the cross. We see them on buildings, books, brochures, and Bibles. We find them atop steeples, against walls, and around necks. They are everywhere. But what do they mean? More importantly, what do they mean to you? We know that historically the cross meant death and suffering as a cruel means of execution. But is that why we celebrate it today? Is that why we embrace it this morning? No not at all! The cross means much more than that. To the one who believes the message of God as given in His Word, the cross has identity. It becomes the cross of Christ. It means life rather than death; it means love rather than hatred; and it means joy rather than sorrow. Through the Cross of Christ, God reconciled sinful man unto Himself. An amazing accomplishment, and one that only He could do! The cross is of great importance to us because it provides simplicity in a complex world, it provides direction in a busy world, and it provides motivation in an apathetic world.
(1 Cor 2:1-2) And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. {2} For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
I. The Cross is Simplicity In a Complex World.
A. General Thoughts
1. Does anyone believe that life is simpler now than it was 25 years ago?
2. Is it any wonder why many folks long to return to the days of 'Mayberry'?
3. We are living in a day where there is access to so much information that it can easily become overwhelming.
4. The other day John picked up his phone and dialed to the hospital in South Africa to speak with Bro. Bowles and it was just like calling across town.
5. With the Internet we can go anywhere in the world without leaving our chair...and get information about anything!
6. We can turn on the news anytime day or night and watch the war in Afghanistan.
7. But with all of the advancements comes a price…life is complex now than they it has ever been.
B. The Simplicity of the Cross.
1. It is impossible to overestimate the importance of the cross of Jesus Christ.
2. For whether we are thinking about Christ's words from the cross, His words about the cross, or the biblical doctrines of the cross, in every case the cross is central to Christianity.
(1 Cor 15:3) For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
3. What could be plainer than that?
(Acts 16:31) And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
4. The Bible presents the cross simply and with a direct and pressing demand for faith.
5. You see, no matter how complex our world becomes, our basic need remains the same.
(Rom 3:10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
(Rom 3:23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
(Rom 6:23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Rom 5:8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
(Rom 10:13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
(Rom 10:9-10) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. {10} For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
II. The Cross Provides Direction in a Busy World.
(Gal 6:14) But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
A. What makes us happy?
1. What is it that excites us?
2. What is it that drives us?
3. What is it that we organize our life around?
4. What makes us happy, what gives us joy?
5. What gives us direction for living?
B. We live in a very busy world.
1. You say, tell me something that I don't know!
2. I won't, because we all live in the same world.
3. The demands on our time are greater than ever before.
4. The range of options available for us to spend our time is greater than ever before.
5. The question that becomes of great concern as to us is whether we're making correct and wise choices.
6. The Bible reminds us that we will give an account at the judgment seat of Christ.
(Rom 14:12) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
(2 Cor 5:10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
C. The Cross gives us direction.
1. We don't just waste our time; we want to invest it!
2. We don't want to just waste our money, but we invest it.
3. We don't just waste our gifts; we invest them.
4. It is the Cross of Christ that gives us direction in how to invest our lives.
Only one life and soon 'twill be passed… Only what's done for Christ will last!
5. How are we investing our time, money, and our gifts?
III. The Cross Provides Motivation In An Apathetic World.
A. Apathy means we just don't care!
1. How can we not care?
2. We have grown so accustomed to the message of Christ…sometimes it just doesn't seem real to us.
3. May I suggest that we listen closely to the message of the Cross?
4. We have turned a deaf ear too long!
a. There is Christian commercial that shows an appliance store wall that is filled with TV's.
b. But what is being broadcast is the crucifixion of Christ.
c. Someone stops by to view them for a moment and asks the question, Is that all that's on?
d. He then picks up a remote and turns all of the TV's off.
e. The tagline on the commercial is this: "Haven't we turned Him off long enough?"
B. Apathy is not reserved for those who do not know Christ.
1. As sad as it sounds, that attitude is often present in the heart and life of those who called themselves Christian!
2. Their hearts are not moved by the Cross.
3. It is evident in their schedule.
4. It is evident in their lifestyle.
5. It is evident on their faithfulness.
6. It is evident in their witness.
7. It is evident in their service.
8. It is evident in their giving.
C. Isn't there something else on?
Jesus keep me near the cross; There a precious fountain. Free to all a healing stream, Flows from Calvary's mountain. In the cross, in the cross. Be my glory ever, Till my raptured soul shall find Rest beyond the river.
If you have never come to the cross for salvation, may I invite you to come now. God so loved you that He sent His Son, Jesus to die on the cross to pay for your sin. Will you accept His loving gift today? Christian is it time to come back to the Cross? It is the simplicity of His cross that provides direction and motivation for our lives. Come now, commit yourself to Him this morning.