A Word About The Cross | Dr. Ralph West | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

A Word About The Cross

Concord Church • Jun 5, 2025 • 43 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this powerful message from 1 Corinthians 1:18–25, Dr. Ralph West teaches that the cross of Jesus Christ is the central foundation of the Christian faith. While human wisdom and secular philosophy dismiss the cross as foolishness, it remains the ultimate revelation of God's wisdom, healing, and saving grace. Believers are encouraged to stop relying on fragile human logic and instead draw daily strength from the crucified and risen Savior.

Themes

Centrality of the CrossDivine Power vs. Human WisdomAtonement and HealingFaith and TrustSpiritual Unity

Pastor's Points

1.

The word of the cross defines the Christian message.

2.

The word of the cross divides the listening congregation.

3.

The word of the cross diagnoses the human condition.

4.

The word of the cross demolishes human wisdom.

5.

The word of the cross displays the power of God.

Key Points

1.
The word of the cross defines the Christian message, telling the complete story of Jesus who was executed not for wrongdoing, but for bringing healing, life, and spiritual freedom.
2.
The word of the cross divides the listening congregation, separating those who reject it as foolishness from those who experience it as the power of God.
3.
The word of the cross diagnoses the human condition, revealing that while humanity is physically perishing, believers are continually being saved through Christ.
4.
The word of the cross demolishes human wisdom, showing that secular philosophy and human morality are inherently fragile and incapable of saving us.
5.
The word of the cross displays the power of God, offering divine strength to face life's difficulties rather than mere academic knowledge or logic.
6.
Human wisdom and moral philosophy lack the intrinsic power to break crippling habits and internal weaknesses, making spiritual power necessary for daily victory.
7.
When believers face overwhelming circumstances where no path forward is visible, God calls them to stand still and trust His unseen, active power at work.

Sermon Moments

“Holman Hunt's masterpiece, The Shadow of Death, depicts Jesus stretching His arms in a carpenter's shop, casting a cross-shaped shadow against the wall.”

“Standing beneath the cross-shaped architecture of St. Paul's Cathedral in London reveals how the shadow of the cross reaches across centuries and continents.”

“Philosopher Immanuel Kant developed high secular ethics, yet died unable to overcome his own simple physical weakness for sweet sticky cakes—proving that human knowledge lacks transforming power.”

“Most of us do not need another book, lecture, or conference; we need a divine power that enables us to overcome what cripples us.”

“Reflecting at Gordon's Calvary leads to the realization: 2,000 years ago, before we were born, Christ carried our sins on that cross to give us a new future.”

“Standing still at a divine dead-end, like Israel at the Red Sea, reminds us that just because we cannot see God working does not mean He is inactive.”

“The Jews look for religious intervention and the Greeks look for philosophical explanation, but those who are called rely on God's divine demonstration.”

This Week

Shift your daily reliance away from human logic and anchor your heart entirely in the divine power of the cross.

Examine your spiritual walk to ensure you are trusting Jesus as your crucified and risen Savior rather than merely an ethical teacher.

When facing overwhelming life circumstances or dead-ends, practice standing still and trusting God's quiet power at work behind the scenes.

Bring your emotional, mental, and physical burdens directly to Christ, receiving the healing made available through His atonement.

Refrain from demanding temporary signs or favors as proof of God's love, resting in Calvary as His supreme demonstration of grace.

Pursue unity within your church community by focusing on the central message of Christ crucified rather than minor opinions or divisions.

Boldly share the message of the cross with others, knowing that while the world may view it as foolishness, it is the power of God unto salvation.

Remember This

The cross of Jesus Christ is not foolishness, but the supreme demonstration of God's wisdom and power, providing believers with daily strength and total redemption.

A Challenge for You

Put all your confidence and hope in Jesus Christ, whose blood and righteousness stand secure above every earthly circumstance, and let His joy and peace rule in your heart.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.