1. "Wonder" - a cause of surprise or astonishment a marvel, an abnormal occurrence The cross of Christ a central fact of chronology, history, prophecy, humanity, and eternity Rev 13:8; Jhn 18:4 The cross was and must continue as the central theme of preaching 1Cor 2:1-4; 1:17 1Cor 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (KJV)

2. THE WONDER OF IT'S SEEMING PARADOXES (Seeming contradictions; opposed to common sense) From both human and divine perspective – Most tragic, yet most wonderful event in history Matt 27:23; Acts 2:11 – Saddest spectacle, yet from it came greatest joy 2Jhn 1:4 – Satan's greatest victory - Christ's most stunning defeat; yet was Satan's greatest defeat and Christ's most glorious victory Gen 3:15 – God's greatest manifestation of hatred for sin, yet supreme proof of love for sinners Jhn 3:16

3. THE WONDER OF IT'S SEEMING PARADOXES (Seeming contradictions; opposed to common sense) From both human and divine perspective – Darkest hour of history, yet time of greatest light Jhn1:8-9 – Human vengeance, yet Divine forgiveness Matt 27:22-25; Lk 23:34 – Man's sinfulness and God's holiness; human weakness and Divine strength

4. THE WONDER OF IT'S VICTIM – Christ was and is man's best friend Lk 23:34; 1Pet 2:21; Rom 5:7-8 – In life and death Christ was perfect demonstration of unselfishness Matt 8:20; Acts 10:38; Lk 23:43; Jhn 19:26-27; Lk 23:34 – Christ the innocent suffered and died for the guilty 1Pet 2:21 – What kept Him on the cross Matt 26:53; Lk 22:42

5. THE WONDER OF IT'S NECESSITY – It is difficult to comprehend Deity being under necessity, yet Jesus said it was a ”must” Jhn 3:14 – Necessary because of sin Rom 3:23; 1Pet 2:24 – The righteousness of God demanded it Rom 3:26 – The Old Testament needed it Jhn 3:14; Isa 53; Col 2:14 – Our salvation compelled it Matt 1:21; Mk 10:45

6. THE WONDER OF IT'S GLORIOUS HOPE – It provides peace of mind in this life. Peace WITH God and OF God Col 1:20; Phil 4:7 – It provides assurance in death Phil 1:23 – It provides a glorious eternity for the soul 1Jhn 3:1-3; Rev 21:3-4

7. If the Wonders of the Cross won't melt the heart then nothing will The only way back to God is by way of the Cross in obedience to Christ, coming in contact with His blood, (which He so freely gave) through the waters of baptism Rom 6:3-11 Have you taken advantage of the Cross, of the fact that He died in your place that you might live?