1. The Message of the Cross John 3:1-21

2. At the heart of history

3. A brief comparison Islam – Allah rewards the righteous with entry into paradise Hinduism – Nirvana is achieved when we are released from the karmic cycle Buddhism – Good deeds, meditation and mantras are key to progressing toward enlightenment through each reincarnation Sikhism – Mukhti, finding oneness with God and freedom from reincarnation

4. It can be agreed Every major faith/religion can agree on one thing In our present state, we are not what we were meant to be Salvation is to be released into the fullness of our intended purpose and creation Christianity is the only one to proclaim a definitive gift of salvation

5. Oil and Water Each faith/religion believes that in our imperfection we cannot be released into heaven/nirvana/enlightenment/paradise As Christians we believe that God’s absolute utterly blindingly holy nature cannot coexist with our sinful nature Moses hid in the cleft (Ex. 33:22) Isaiah despaired of his unclean state (Is. 6:5) God and Us is like Oil and Water We need, as Jesus said, to be born again

6. So why the cross? “I cannot accept either the hypothesis that the appalling death of Jesus was a sacrifice in the eyes of God for the sins of the world, or that God, in the shape of his son, tortured himself for our redemption.” Sir Alister Hardy God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood-to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished- he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:25-26)

7. So why the cross? Sometimes we forget the factor of sin in our gospel message, the cross is superfluous if we simply make God our friend and not our Saviour The extent of the cross shows the extent of Gods holiness and glory The extent of the cross shows the extent of Gods love for us

8. What Now? Focus on the cross, its cost, its end, our Lord who was on it Seek to bring back its meaning in everyday life