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The Cross at the Center

Crucifixion Cross Salvation

Source: Korea and Christianity: The Problem of Identification and Tradition

Link to Source: Click here to view source

Contributed By: James Miller | Date Posted: 2014-10-07

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:2

Author: Spencer J. Palmer
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ILLUSTRATION

Christian leader Uchimura Kanzo (1861-1930) coined a new name for Christianity - "Crucifixianity." He said, "The Cross is not merely a symbol of Christianity; it is its center, the cornerstone upon which the whole structure rests - indeed, no Cross, no Christianity."

APPLICATION

The Cross is at the heart of the Christian message, because without it there would be no Christians. Our peace with God depends wholly on our reconciliation to God through the cross.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).

Look Good on Wood

Die To Self Servanthood Crucifixion

Source: HOMILETICS, July-Septmeber 1996, p. 30

Contributed By: Wes Golden | Date Posted: 2011-01-27

Scripture: Luke 9:23 ; John 12:32

Author: Wes Golden
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ILLUSTRATION

As horrific as it is for us to read or hear about the violent arrest, trial and crucifixion, it has been suggested (by the editors of Homiletics) that the news of these events was far harder on the disciples than on us.  After all, we are post-Easter Christians.  We can view the horror of the passion in light of the resurrection.  The harder message for us to digest is, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it” (Luke 9:23-24). 

Say the editors, “These are calls to sacrifice, and they intrude rudely into our safe, secure, convenient faith-lives.  In the words of Father Daniel Berrigan, ‘If you want to follow Jesus, you had better look good on wood.’” 

[Father Daniel Berrigan (1921 - ) is an activist priest who, through protest, poetry, and preaching, championed pacifism and social reform.  For a time, he found himself on the FBI most wanted list for his anti-war activities during the Vietnam era.]

APPLICATION

How do we look good on wood?  It is only be saying “no” to ourselves that we are able to say “yes” to God and to others. This was how Jesus took the horror of the cross and turned it into something beautiful. 

Wes Golden

"But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself" (John 12:32).

Three Men, Three Crosses

Crucifixion Cross Easter

Source: “Three Crosses and Two Choices,” by Denis Lyle, NELSON’S ANNUAL PREACHER’S SOURCEBOOK, , p.104

Contributed By: Fred Gates | Date Posted: 2011-01-10

Scripture: Luke 23:39

Author: Denis Lyle
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ILLUSTRATION

“On the hill of Calvary, there were three crosses and three men. One man died IN sin, one man died TO sin, and one man died FOR sin.”

[Denis Lyle is an Irish Pastor/Teacher who has ministered God's Word in Australia, South Africa, and Romania as well as conducting missions and conferences in his own country. He has an M.A. and a Ph.D. from the European Theological Seminary.]

APPLICATION

"There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!  But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence?" (Luke 23:38-40). 

The Sacrificial Heart of Shlomo Ron

Love (Divine) Sacrifice Preparation

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2023-10-21

Scripture: John 15:13

Author: Yael Bar Tur
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Know What You Are For

Gospel Sacrifice Commitment

Contributed By: Marcelle Smith | Date Posted: 2023-06-22

Scripture: Romans 14:8 ; Romans 14:8

Author: Marcelle Smith
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All Murder and Violence and No Donuts

Good Friday Easter Joy

Contributed By: Vince Putnam | Date Posted: 2023-01-22

Scripture: Mark 15: ; Matthew 27:

Author: Vince Putnam
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Silently Serving

Servanthood Sacrifice Courage

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2022-08-13

Scripture: Romans 10:4 ; 2 Timothy 4:2

Author: Illustration Exchange
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Faith In A Dying Savior

Faith Good Friday Easter

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2020-04-28

Scripture: Luke 23:43

Author: Mitchell Dillon
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No Cheap Gifts For Christmas

Christmas Sacrifice Selfless

Contributed By: Charles Krieg | Date Posted: 2018-11-15

Scripture: John 3:16 ; Mark 10:45

Author: Charles Krieg
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Man Sues Hospital After He Didn't Die

Cross Spiritual Life Followership

Contributed By: Howard Harden | Date Posted: 2018-01-31

Scripture: John 10:10 ; Matthew 6:25

Author: Howard Harden / Illustration Exchange
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