The Cross Is Offensive!

Williamsburg, Virginia – Once again the most liberating symbol known (and even unknown) to man has become an obstacle and an offense. An 18 inch brass cross that has graced the altar in historic Wren Chapel on the campus of the College of William and Mary since about 1940 has been ordered removed to make the chapel more welcoming to students of all faiths.

Can you believe it? You probably can!

Although offensive, there is nothing more welcoming than the cross. The Bible says that “(God) is not willing that any perish, but all come to repentance.”

The cross beckons all to come. As a matter of fact if one is ever to be free they must come by the way of the cross or not at all.

Paul writes, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Cor. 1:18)

The Cross is Offensive. It is offensive today. It was offensive in Jesus' day. It was an instrument of execution. It was the equivilent of our electric chair.

I love the gospel song, "It’s Still the Cross."

It's not conservative or liberal, however they're defined;
It's not about interpretation, Or the judgment of the mind;
It's the opposite of politics, power or prestige;
It's about a simple message, and whether we believe.
It's still the cross, It's still the blood of Calvary;
That cleanses sins, and sets the captives free.
It's still the name, The name of Jesus, That has power to save the lost;
It's still the cross.

We can water down theology, and preach a word to suit our needs;
We can justify sweet subtle lies, That are wrapped in noble deeds;
We can alter our convictions, To adapt to social whims;
But we cannot change the gospel, Or the truth contained within.
It's still the cross, It's still the blood of Calvary;
That cleanses sins, and sets the captives free.
It's still the name, the name of Jesus,That has power to save the lost;
It's still the cross.

Though some may say it's man's religion,Or ancient history;
The cross of Jesus still remains,The price for sin that sets us free.
It's still the cross, it's still the blood of Calvary;
That cleanses sins, and sets the captives free.
It's still the name, the name of Jesus,That has power to save the lost;
It's still the cross.It's still the cross it's still the cross.

Amen!!!

The cross made the difference for me and you.

C.H. SPURGEON wrote, "If the professed convert distinctly and deliberately declares that he knows the Lord's will but does not mean to attend to it, you are not to pamper his presumption, but it is your duty to assure him that he is not saved. Do not suppose that the Gospel is magnified or God glorified by going to the worldlings and telling them that they may be saved at this moment by simply accepting Christ as their Savior, while they are wedded to their idols, and their hearts are still in love with sin. If I do so I tell them a lie, pervert the Gospel , insult Christ, and turn the grace of God into lasciviousness."


Here are some related scripture and links to research.

Acts 17:16-32; 1 Cor. 1:17-25

http://www.biblebb.com/files/spurgeon/2594.htm

http://www.unionchurch.com/archive/maundy98.html

http://stevenjcamp.blogspot.com/2007/01/removing-offense-of-crossthe.html