“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God”  (1 Corinthians 1:18)

In the following chapter Paul said, “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). I love this verse because it shows how much we should be concerned about the state of our fellow man. So often the members of the Body of Christ want to know everything about a person, except that which matters. People will go to the greatest extent to find out everything they can about us except that which really matters.

What does really matter? The answer is, “Are you crucified with Christ, or not?” And if not, I have but one word for you, “Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”

The world is going to look at us as if we are crazy, fanatical, and even a down-right lunatic; because all you want to do is tell people about Jesus and the work He has accomplished in our life; but we still must lift up the Cross. Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). The blood sacrifice of the Lamb of God should ever be the message which we proclaim in this last day. Satan is drawing people away from the truth; because people are being deceived. The preaching of the cross is the Power of God; and when you stand on the blood, every demon from hell is going to tremble.

So often I hear ministers say it is time to move away from the preaching of the cross after a man gets saved. Hear me nations, and hear me well. Such a preacher is a heretic and serves his own belly (Philippians 3:17-19).

Jesus said in Luke 9:23, to “…If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” That verse tells me that the Cross of Christ from Salvation through Sanctification and on into Glory will ever be the grounds by which I must pass to get anything from God. If you are not willing to accept the operation of God, which the Cross of Christ will perform in your inner man on a daily basis from Salvation to Glorification; then you are not willing to be saved.

After Adam and Eve were cast out of their state of innocence because of their rebellion against God, the Scripture says that God “…placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life” (Genesis 3:24). That “flaming sword” is the preaching of the cross; and it is the way every man must go, in order to inherit eternal life. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). That “flaming sword” is the assurance that Adam’s kind will never make it in.

So take heed to the message of the Cross; and don’t rebel against the conviction which He, the Holy Spirit, will bring upon your heart. Submit to His Divine Word; and you will see the glitter of this world pass away from your heart.

Then, and only then, will we be able to say, “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” (Galatians 6:14). Glory be unto the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.