Why the Cross?Sample
Supernatural Events
Through the years, people have refused to believe the miracles of Calvary. They've developed theories to explain away the events surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus.
And the one thing these people and their theories have in common is that they refuse to accept the supernatural and continue to search for a natural reason. But there are no natural, coincidental occurrences surrounding the resurrection of the Christ. God's hand was evident through it all. God's miracles do not begin and end with the resurrection itself.
There are several more supernatural events that happened from the death of Jesus through the days following His resurrection. Over the next few days, we will take a look at what the Bible says happened during those times.
The Darkness Fell
Just before Jesus's death on the Cross, darkness fell upon the land during the middle of the day. The Bible tells us that, "It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining" (Luke 23:44-45). While no one knows for sure if this darkness covered the earth or if it was localized to Judea, we do know it was a supernatural darkness. This was not a coincidental occurrence. This three-hour darkness was caused by God's hand, symbolizing the significance and intense suffering of the death of Jesus.
Prayer: Father, I am grateful that the events that took place around the death and resurrection of Christ can't be explained apart from Your hand at work. Thank You for showing Your power even in the darkness that fell the day of the crucifixion. Amen.
By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also (1 Corinthians 6:14).
Scripture
About this Plan
The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (I Corinthians 1:18, NIV). The Cross of Christ is the central event of history, but it has also been a source of controversy and offense. In this stirring devotional series, Michael Youssef inspires our appreciation for the offending, redeeming, and very personal work Christ accomplished on the cross. These messages will ground believers in the basis of their faith while guiding unbelievers to a better understanding of the death of Christ on the cross.
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