Other Side of the Cross

Introduction

1.    Many songs, poems and sermons about the cross

2.    They mention love, mercy, grace, compassion, forgiveness, salvation

3.    All of this is true and proper – but there is another side of the cross

4.    For those saved by the cross – love, mercy and compassion

5.    For those lost it is foolishness, stumbling block

Think about the other side of:

1.    Brass Serpent – Numbers 21

a.    Those who looked were healed and lived

b.    Those who did not look – died in pain and suffering

2.    Passover – Exodus 12

a.    Put the blood on the doorpost and stay inside all night – all live

b.    No blood on doorpost or leave the house – first born dies

3.    Work on Sabbath – Numbers 15:32-36

a.    Sabbath day was a day of total rest – no work allowed – just rest

b.    Pick up sticks, build a fire, cook a meal = death

4.    Naaman – 2 Kings 5

a.    Dip in Jordan 7 times – healed

b.    Go back home – he would die of his leprosy

5.    Achan – Joshua 7

a.    Give God the spoils – celebrate a great victory

b.    Stole from God – death, sorrow, defeat

6.    Ananias & Sapphira – Acts 5

a.    In the kingdom – saved, forgiven, fellowship

b.    Lie to God – death, rejection

7.    Cross of Christ

a.    To those who believe – salvation, forgiveness, eternal life

b.    To those who reject – foolishness, lost, eternal fire