Introduction to the Cross of Christ

I am going to be starting a MiniBlog series tomorrow on the focal point of Christianity, which is the cross of Christ. Basically, I am going to split it up into six parts. Christ's agony in the garden, Christ's betrayal and trial, the physical aspect of Christ's suffering, the emotional and spiritual aspect of Christ's suffering, Christ's death on the cross and what it means to us as Christians, and, finally, Christ's victory over the power of sin and his resurrection.
This will hopefully be an impacting series that will give us a small glimpse of Christ's atoning death on the cross for the redemption of our sins. We can never experience the fullness of Christ's atoning death for our sins because of what are limited finite minds can handle, but we can experience a small taste of what he has for us. Jesus Christ came into this world to save us from our utter sinfulness and depravity. Worthy is the Lamb of God, who was slain and crushed on Calvary's tree for our salvation. Praise Him!!! I will end this post with the words to one of my favorite 21st century hymns proclaiming the cross of Christ Jesus. Enjoy!

"The Power of the Cross"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music

Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.

CHORUS:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Ev'ry bitter thought,
Ev'ry evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.

Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
"Finished!" the vict'ry cry.

Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.

FINAL CHORUS:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.