Sermon Central
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The Cross And The Message Of Hope To Mankind
Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Jun 22, 2001 (message contributor)
Summary: This sermon is about the message of hope through the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross to those in 1.SINS 2.SICKNESS 3.SORROW 4.STRESS 5.SCOURGE 6.SHAME 7.STRUGGLE
THE CROSS AND THE MESSAGE OF HOPE TO MANKIND
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OUTLINE
1.SINS
2.SICKNESS
3.SORROW
4.STRESS
5.SCOURGE
6.SHAME
7.STRUGGLE
THE MESSAGE
THE CROSS AND THE MESSAGE OF HOPE TO MANKIND
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1.SINS
The cross of Jesus Christ gives a message of hope to those who are lost in their sins.The blood of Jesus can forgive and cleanse our sinful hearts of men. We do not have to die without hope. We can repent and turn from our sinful ways and the the cross offers us pardon and a promise of a brand new life. The salvation of our soul is the greatest blessing we can receive from the cross. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus , Jesus showed the greatness of the salvation of the soul . The rich man enjoyed the luxuries of life while on earth but was tormented in hell for all eternity . The poor beggar lived a pathetic life on earth but enjoyed the joy of heaven for all eternity. The salvation that Christ offers through the cross is far more precious than any earthly treasure.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.
At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores
and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.
In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.
So he called to him, ’Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
"But Abraham replied, ’Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.
And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’
"He answered, ’Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,
for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
"Abraham replied, ’They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’
" ’No, father Abraham,’ he said, ’but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
"He said to him, ’If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ "
2.SICKNESS
The cross of Jesus offers healing from sickness. Jesus took our sicknessness and bore our infirmities and by his stripes we are healed. Healing is provided by the stripes of Jesus. Jesus paid the price of our healing. We must have faith in Him in order to receive healing . Unbelief and doubt can prevent us from experiencing miracles in our life. Peter walked on water as long as he had faith on the word of Jesus and had focused his attention on Jesus. He was able to walk on water even though the storm was still raging. But once he started to look at the storm , his faith became weak and he started to sink. We must have a strong faith on the promises of God inspite of our circumstances in order to prevail. Our faith will help us to experiences miracles in our lives.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
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When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.
This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples.
