The Cross per the Prophets

Tommy Walls' sermon centers on the profound events and teachings surrounding the resurrection of Jesus, drawing particularly from the account of two disciples on the road to Emmaus as recorded in Luke's Gospel. Walls highlights the initial confusion and sadness of the disciples following Jesus' crucifixion, contrasting this with the revelation and joy they experience upon recognizing Jesus when he breaks bread with them. This moment of recognition ignites a spiritual fervor within them, a kind of "heartburn" for the Gospel and the truths of Christ.Walls emphasizes the importance of understanding and believing what the prophets spoke concerning the necessity of Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection for the redemption of Israel and humanity at large. He argues that this understanding should lead to a burning passion for the Gospel and a desire to grow more like Christ in loving others in the light of his sacrifice.Further, Walls delves into the profound symbolism and teachings of the cross, as predicted in Isaiah 53, highlighting it as a central doctrine that reveals the power, wisdom, love, mercy, grace, and glory of God. The sermon elaborates on the multitude of ways in which the cross demonstrates God's power, from creation to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.Walls concludes by asserting the transformative power of the cross, not only as a historical event but as an ongoing source of strength, comfort, and salvation for believers. He lists numerous attributes and outcomes of Jesus' suffering as described in Isaiah 53, emphasizing the cross's enduring impact on redemption, justification, sanctification, and the believer's ability to endure trials.The sermon ends with a prayer of gratitude for the gospel's power to save and sustain believers, thanking God for the covenant fulfilled through Jesus' crucifixion and the ongoing revelation of the gospel's glory.