Preaching the Cross in a Culture of Self

Theme Verse: “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness.” — 1 Corinthians 1:23 The cross of Christ stands in direct opposition to everything our culture celebrates. While the world says, “exalt yourself,” the cross says, “deny yourself.” While society encourages self-expression and self-promotion, the gospel calls for self-denial and surrender. In 1 Corinthians 1:23, Paul said, “But we preach Christ crucified…”—a message that offended religious minds and confounded intellectual ones. Yet, that very message remains the only hope for a world consumed with itself. To represent Christ well, we must not water down the gospel or reshape it to fit cultural tastes. The cross is not a motivational slogan or a religious symbol—it is the place where sin was judged, wrath was satisfied, and love was poured out. It reminds us that salvation doesn’t come by being true to ourselves, but by dying to ourselves and being made new in Christ. It confronts pride, exposes sin, and demands a choice: bow or walk away. As ambassadors, we must never forget that the gospel we carry will offend some. That’s not because we’re being unloving, but because the cross contradicts the core of human pride. Our message says that all have sinned, that none can save themselves, and that the only way to God is through the blood of Jesus. That message will never be popular—but it will always be powerful. It is still the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). In a world intoxicated with self-love and self-made righteousness, the message of the cross must ring clear. We are not here to tickle ears—we are here to tell the truth. But we must do it with tears in our eyes and love in our hearts. Preaching the cross is not about winning arguments—it’s about winning souls. We don’t shout it with arrogance; we proclaim it with brokenness, knowing that we too were once lost. So preach the cross, Christian. In your words, in your life, in your relationships—point people to the place where mercy met justice. Don’t be ashamed of the cross. Don’t hide it. Don’t soften it. It may be a stumblingblock to the proud and foolishness to the wise, but to the broken, it is still the doorway to eternal life.