The Cross Or The Manger Acts 2:22-24

The Message Of The Gospel It is the message of the cross, not the manger, that saves (1 Cor. 1:18; 2:1) It is true that Jesus was born. Only a fool would deny such (Gal. 4:4; Lk. 2:1-7) It is also true that heaven heralded His arrival (Lk. 2:8-14)

The Message Of The Gospel The message of the cross is about the death of Christ Look at what is said in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 His death brought about the forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7) He died for the ungodly and sinners (Rom. 5:6-8) He died that we might be saved from sin (Matt. 1:21)

The Message Of The Gospel In this sin sick world, what is it that people need more than anything else? What is the answer? Do they need a Babe lying in a manger? Or do they need a Savior nailed to Calvary’s cross?

Away From The Manger… To the rejection of Bible ignorance Those who are ignorant of God’s truth try to go on their own (Rom. 10:1-3) The truth of God’s word is a message of salvation (Jn. 8:32)

Away From The Manger… To the new birth Jesus preached about the approaching kingdom (Matt. 4:17) One enters the kingdom through the new birth (Jn. 3:5) Jesus said to “believe and be baptized” (Mk. 16:16)

Away From The Manger… To the New Testament church Jesus did not preach some brand of modern day ecumenical unity in diversity (Matt. 16:18) There was only one church in 1st century (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4)

Away From The Manger… To obedience of the gospel Let Jesus truly be Lord (Lk. 6:46) Salvation is for those who obey Him (Heb. 5:9)