2. Paul took pride in the cross of Christ, Gal. 6:14 ▪Preciousness of the cross ­ Love, Jn. 15:13 ­ Blood, Col. 1:19, 20

3. Many want more preaching on the cross; Less on doctrine ▪Claim: cross not appreciated ▪Drive denominational people away ▪Need balance; not to be out of balance

5. Message of the cross brings salvation, 1 Cor. 1:18 ▪Power to save, Rom. 1:16 ▪Christ crucified, 1 Cor. 1:23; 2:2 ▪“Testimony” & “wisdom,” 1 Cor. 2:1, 7

6. Receive the word, receive grace of God ▪Gospel & grace, Gal. 1:6, 7; Titus 2:11, 12 ▪Word & inheritance, Acts 20:24, 32

7. Cry for more “cross-centered” preaching ▪Focus on: ­ Love of God ­ Joy of Christ ­ Blessings of the Holy Spirit

8. Cry for more “cross-centered” preaching ▪Avoid: ­ Condemning denominations ­ Teaching on one true church ­ Preaching on worldliness

9. Paul preached the cross of Christ, 1 Cor. 2:2 ▪Death, burial, & resurrection, 1 Cor. 15:1-4 ▪Christ crucified, 1 Cor. 1:13 ▪Preaching alone on this does not save ­ Told what to do, Acts 9:6; 10:6; 11:14 ­ Take action, Acts 9:18; 10:47, 48

10. Did Paul preach the cross by addressing… ▪Division, 1 Cor. 1:10-13; 3:1-4 ▪Immorality, 1 Cor. 5:1, 2 ▪Lord’s Supper, 1 Cor. 11:20-34 ▪Spiritual gifts, 1 Cor. 12-14

11. May we follow Paul’s example? ▪Denominational division ▪Adultery, drinking, immodesty ▪Perversion of worship & work of church ▪Spiritual gifts

12. Interchangeable nature ▪Baptized into Christ & the church, Rom. 6:3, 4; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:22, 23 ▪Reconciled in Christ & the body, 2 Cor. 5:18-20; Eph. 1:22, 23; 2:16 ▪Redeemed by blood that purchased the church, 1 Pt. 1:18, 19; Col. 1:14; Acts 20:28

13. Interchangeable nature ▪Christ “gave Himself for me” & “for the church” Gal. 2:20; Eph. 5:25 ▪Made near by the blood in the body, Eph. 2:13, 16

14. Are we out of focus to preach on the church ▪Persecute church, Acts 8:4; Gal. 1:13 ▪Persecute Christ, Acts 9:4; 22:7; 26:14

16. Paul took pride in the cross of Christ, Gal. 6:14 ▪Preciousness of the cross ­ Love, Jn. 15:13 ­ Blood, Col. 1:19, 20

17. Many want more preaching on the cross; Less on doctrine ▪Claim: cross not appreciated ▪Drive denominational people away ▪Need balance; not to be out of balance