Francis Chan: The Cross (Part 2)

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message reminds us that when we feel overwhelmed by guilt and shame, we must look upward and focus on the cross. The cross is not just a historical event, but a present reality that has the power to transform our lives. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross paid for all our sins, past and present, and it's only when we fix our eyes on Him that we can experience true freedom from guilt and shame.

Key Scripture References

• Hymn (unspecified verse) - This hymn reminds us to look upward and see Jesus, who made an end to all our sin. When Satan tempts us with despair, we must remember that Jesus already paid for our sins.
• John 19:30 - Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was a complete payment for our sins. We don't have to add anything to it; we simply receive the gift of His love and forgiveness.
• Romans 5:8 - God demonstrated His love for us by sending His Son to die for our sins while we were still sinners. This is the greatest expression of His love, and it's only when we understand this that we can truly experience freedom from guilt and shame.
• 1 John 3:20 - When we confess our sins to God, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This is a promise that we can cling to when we feel overwhelmed by guilt and shame.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 - God made Jesus who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. When we look at Jesus on the cross, we see a perfect representation of God's love and forgiveness.

Key Takeaways

When we feel overwhelmed by guilt and shame, we must look upward and focus on the cross. The cross is not just a historical event, but a present reality that has the power to transform our lives. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross paid for all our sins, past and present, and it's only when we fix our eyes on Him that we can experience true freedom from guilt and shame.

Practical Applications

Take a few minutes to pray for yourself right now, asking God to give you the ability to focus on the cross. Pray for those around you, asking God to help them to focus on the cross as well. Remember that the cross is not just a distant event, but a present reality that has the power to transform your life.

Conclusion

The story of Peter's denial of Jesus reminds us that we are all capable of denying Christ in our own lives. But it also reminds us of the power of God's love and forgiveness. When we look at Jesus on the cross, we see a perfect representation of God's love and forgiveness. Let us fix our eyes on Him, and experience true freedom from guilt and shame.