There is power in the Christ of the cross to redeem and change lives. To neglect the message of the cross is to empty our preaching and witnessing of power to actually transform hearers. Good advice, self-help talks, and pulpit psychology will not serve to break the true chains that hold the lost. The gospel of the cross “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16 NRSV). Holy Spirit power is joined with the message of the cross.
“When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (NRSV)
