1 Corinthians 1:17-18

17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.

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

Think of everything the power of God has done. How about creating the universe? If you study science or nature, you can get a real appreciation for the power of God. How about how the human body functions? Think of what the power of God has done, and still Paul says the CROSS is the power of God.

When you understand the power of the Cross, you will have this same attitude that Paul has:

Galatians 6:14

14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Look at this manifestation of the power of the Cross:

Matthew 27:50-54

50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. (This is immediately after He was punished for our sins)

51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split.

52 The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;

53 and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.

54 Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"

Look at the POWER! The veil in the temple was a foot thick, 40 feet tall. The Cross has the power to let anyone enter into union with God – in the Holy of Holies.

The Greek word translated power in 1 Corinthians 1:18 is “DUNAMIS.” It’s where we get the word dynamite. Think about what dynamite does:

Dynamite is used to remove great obstacles, like building a road or a tunnel. The Cross removes the great obstacle to our having a relationship with God: sin!

Dynamite also destroys. Nothing can remove pride or arrogance in some people. Not threat of death, prison, or even the fear of hell. Only one thing can – the Cross. When you truly understand the power of the Cross, you are humbled by it, and that humility removes your pride.

We frequently get caught up in different technical doctrines, or stories from the Bible, but never forget what the power of God did for us at the Cross, when Jesus Christ was punished for our sins.

Look what else Paul said:

1 Corinthians 1:23-24

23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness,

24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

It is the very power of God.