0414A, Preaching of The Cross

Episode Title: Preaching the CrossEpisode Summary (short): W. D. Frazee opens 1 Corinthians 1:17–18 to show why "the preaching of the cross is the power of God"—and how beholding Calvary daily becomes the secret of victory over sin.Show Notes / Description:What does Paul mean when he says "the preaching of the cross… is the power of God"? In this 1968 message, Pastor W. D. Frazee turns to 1 Corinthians 1:17–18 and walks us carefully through what the cross is not—not a heathen-style arrangement to appease an angry deity, and not a license to break God's law without consequence—and what the cross truly is: the supreme revelation of how terrible sin is and how deep the Father's love runs.With his trademark warmth and vivid illustrations (a flick of a light switch on the TVA grid, a friend who "fixes" speeding tickets with the judge, and a hammer poised over a mother's hand), Pastor Frazee invites every listener to come to Calvary and behold two great lessons: how bad Satan really is, and how good God really is. When those truths become real, "the power of sin is broken."The message closes with Christ at the door of the heart in Revelation 3:20—His scarred hand still knocking—and the old hymn "Who At My Door Is Standing?" inviting a personal response.Key Scriptures1 Corinthians 1:17–18 (main text)1 Samuel 3:9Romans 13:1Matthew 28:18–202 Corinthians 5:19Matthew 27 · Mark 15 · Luke 23 · John 19Isaiah 53 · Psalm 22Revelation 1:1; 3:20Key ThemesThe cross as the very power of GodTwo misconceptions of the cross — appeasement and licenseHow Calvary unveils the true character of SatanHow Calvary unveils the heart of the Father"Jesus died for me as if that death were to be forever"The scarred hand still knocking at the door of the heartCompanion ReferencesEllen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1911), 209.Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1898), 83.Hymn: "Who At My Door Is Standing?" by Mary B. SladeMemorable Line"The cross shows me how bad Satan is and how good God is. The cross shows me what a terrible thing sin is and what a wonderful love God has."About To My Dear Friends brings the timeless messages of Pastor W. D. Frazee to a new generation of listeners. Visit WDFsermons.org for the full sermon library.