A Cross-Centered Life, Part 2: The Cross vs. Fear

Grant Fishbook, Lead Teaching Pastor

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, 
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

– 1 Corinthians 1:18

The Cross is a place of

“The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again, No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again…” – John 10:17–18b

The Cross is a place of

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. – 1 Peter 2:23–25

The Cross is a place of

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. – Isaiah 26:3-4

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27

The Cross is a place of

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. – Colossians 2:13–15

The Cross is a place of

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” – Matthew 16:24–26

The cross is the for all people —
those who are perishing and those who are being saved.
Will you be saved today?

Small Group Questions

1. Have you ever been truly afraid for your life? What was the situation and how did it turn out?
2. What do you think of when I simply say the word cross?
3. What is the message of the cross to you, personally? Which of the five aspects that Grant shared is the most important to you?
4. Read Matthew 16 out loud. How can you deny yourself in a way that honors God?
5. The cross is a dividing line. Share about the moment when the cross divided you from your sin.
6. How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?