30th Mar 26 | 13:54
Studies by Book
Luke 16 14-17 The cross and the kingdom of God 03 The power of the cross
📖 Luke 16:14-17
06Apr2020 - *The power of the cross* - _Luke 16:14-17_ - Bible reading: _I Corinthians 1:18-21_
_Luke 16:14 Now - the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him._
The Pharisees heard the message of Jesus was to deal with the issues of the heart and there to be surrendered to God. This message was foolish to them. They mocked Him but at the same time the sword of His words was piercing their heart and they were angry. So, even at the cross they sneered and mocked Jesus.
_Luke 23:35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God."_
These religious rulers saw themselves as having won against Jesus as they put an end to His life, at the cross. They did not realise that they were actually setting in motion the basis, the power and the glory of God’s kingdom because of the cross.
_I Corinthians 1:18-21 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._ The message of the cross is foolishness to the world. How can the cross heal a person, family, community, society and a nation? How can the expression of the kingdom of God come about by the cross? These are the questions that the world is asking and assuming that the cross cannot save.
The power of God flows through us, who have experienced the salvation or the healing of God, through the cross. We therefore are His instruments to bring the kingdom of God, here on earth, through the experience of the cross.
_(19) For it is written: "I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND BRING TO NOTHING THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRUDENT." (20) Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?_ History affirms for us that it is only the message of the cross that has stood the test of time. Leaders, Governments, Empires and Civilisations have come and gone but the message of the cross continues to heal individuals and families.
_(21) For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe._ The wisdom of man has not enabled man to know God. God has made it possible for man to know Him and be healed only through the message of the cross. All that man will need to do to experience the salvation of God is to believe.
*Thought to ponder*
```Are you experiencing the power of cross to bring about the kingdom of God?```