3. The Cross of Christ Mark 15:29-31

4. Why a Cross? Because it Defines The Nature of God’s Love

5. Here’s Our Problem We are too familiar with the Cross to see its deeper meaning!

6. Mark 15:29-31 “And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves…

7. Mark 15:29-31 …with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save.”

8. Sometimes Things Surprise Us! We think we know all we need to know!

9. An Illustration! U.S. Olympian Marlen Esparza

10. U.S. Olympian Sponsorships by Coca-Cola Nike CoverGirl Started competing at age 13, now 23 years of age. Woman’s Boxing Marlen Esparza U.S. Olympian Sponsorships by Coca-Cola Nike CoverGirl Started competing at age 13, now 23 years of age. Woman’s Boxing

11. Sometimes Things Surprise Us! There Is Something More We Need to Know About the Cross!

12. Sometimes Things Surprise Us! Let Us Lift It Up Anew and Gaze Upon It!

13. A Sacrificial Love God’s Love Through Christ Is Extravagant In Its Cost!

14. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

15. “For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died.” 2 Corinthians 5:14

16. A Self–Giving Love God’s Love Through Christ Gives Itself Away!

17. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

18. “...but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:7-8

19. A Status Renouncing Love God’s Love Through Christ Freely Chooses to Abandon It Rights!

20. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9

21. “Even Christ did not live to please himself.” Romans 15:3a NCV

22. Chapter One Love Does by Bob Goff “I’m With You! The Example of Randy

23. “The Cross not only tells us what God’s love looks like, but it also tells us what our love should look like!” From Stephen Seamand’s “Give Them Christ”

24. The Cross of Christ Mark 15:29-31