The Scandal of the Cross refers to the offensive and counterintuitive nature of the Christian faith, which proclaims that salvation and redemption come through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a event that was shameful and humiliating in the ancient world (1 Corinthians 1:23). This concept is rooted in the Bible, where the apostle Paul writes that the cross is a "stumbling block" to Jews and "foolishness" to Gentiles, yet it is the power of God for salvation (1 Corinthians 1:18, 23). The scandal of the cross is also evident in the prophetic writings of Isaiah, who foretells of a suffering servant who would be "despised and rejected" by men, yet would bear the sins of many (Isaiah 53:3, 12). Through the scandal of the cross, Christians affirm that God's wisdom and power are often hidden in weakness and foolishness, as seen in the crucified Christ, who is nonetheless the source of eternal life and redemption (Galatians 6:14).
G.W. North emphasizes the scandalous nature of the cross, highlighting its offense to those who view it through a worldly lens. He explains that the cross, as a symbol of curse and humiliation, challenges human pride and morality, making it a stumbling block for many. North asserts that the crucifix
Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the critical need for accountability to God, illustrating the transformative power of genuine repentance and the pursuit of purity in the heart. He recounts a personal story of a woman who, after a deep cry for mercy, experienced true salvation, contrasting it with his o
Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical need for families to return to Jesus amidst the crises affecting both the church and the family unit. He highlights that the root of these crises often lies in unthankfulness and discontentment, which can lead to sin and destruction. Beach calls for a revival t
R.A. Torrey expounds on 'The Parable of the Pounds' in Luke 19:11-28, illustrating the importance of faithful service and accountability in the Kingdom of God. The nobleman, representing Christ, departs to receive a kingdom, leaving his servants with pounds to trade, symbolizing the gifts and respon
Theodore Epp emphasizes the critical connection between teaching and living out God's principles, urging believers to reflect on whether their actions align with their teachings. He challenges the congregation to examine their honesty in financial matters and the use of their time, stressing that al
Zac Poonen emphasizes the significance of our conscience as a divine gift that reminds us of our moral responsibilities and the inevitable judgment we will face from God for our actions, words, and thoughts. Unlike animals, humans are created in God's image and are accountable for their lives, with
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the inherent contradiction in existentialism's denial of God while simultaneously appealing to moral responsibility. He critiques the notion that without God, values and commands lose their legitimacy, arguing that true accountability and morality stem from the existence of a d
Horatius Bonar emphasizes God's divine jealousy for the truth, asserting that His eyes are constantly watching over it to guard and maintain it. He explains that there is only one standard of truth, which is definite, universal, and found in the Bible, and that God holds humanity accountable to this
J.R. Miller emphasizes the principle of self-denial in his sermon on Romans 14:1-21, urging believers to live with a constant awareness of their accountability to God rather than judging others. He highlights the importance of love and consideration for others, advocating that Christians should avoi
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the immense responsibility placed on preachers and teachers of the gospel, highlighting the accountability they will face on the day of God's wrath. He questions whether the message preached is clear about the lost state of those apart from Christ and whether it encourages repe