1. The Message of the Cross Central, Divisive and Unifying 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

2. The Message of the Cross is Central We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. Colossians 1:28-29

3. The Message of the Cross is Central I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16

4. The Message of the Cross is Central And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19

5. The Message of the Cross is Divisive There are only two groups of people: Those who are perishing Those who are being saved

6. The Message of the Cross is Divisive Worldly wisdom vs Godly wisdom Why did people reject the message in Paul’s day? Why do people reject it today?

7. The Message of the Cross is Unifying My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message... May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20,23

8. The Message of the Cross is Unifying We have a common mission Share the Gospel We have a common identity Adopted children of God We have a common destiny Become like Jesus