When the world demands spectacle or sophistication, God gives the cross. In this Holy Cross Day sermon, we hear how Christ crucified is the true display of God’s power and wisdom. God's saving power and wisdom remain steady when our feelings fluctuate and they remain sufficient amid grief, outrage, and evil.

The Church bears the Word; civil authority bears the sword — so Christians pray, confess, and receive Christ’s gifts as we love our neighbors in our vocations.

Key Takeaways:

• Faith rests on God’s means of grace (the preached Word and the Sacraments) not on our feelings or experiences.
• The cross looks like weakness to the world, yet it is omnipotent love accomplishing salvation.
• The Church’s mission is Law and Gospel proclamation; the government’s calling is temporal justice (Romans 13).
• Resist outrage cycles; pray for enemies and entrust vengeance to the Lord.
• Boast only in the cross (Galatians 6:14); Christ is God’s power and wisdom for the called.
• Jesus delivers His victory to you personally in Baptism, preaching, and His true body and blood.

Scripture References:

1. 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 — The Word of the Cross: folly to the perishing, power of God to the saved; Christ the wisdom and power of God.
2. Galatians 6:14 — Boasting only in the cross, the world crucified to us and we to the world.
3. Romans 13:1–4 — Civil authority as God’s servant for good; distinct from the Church’s mission.
4. John 12:31–33 — The ruler of this world cast out; the crucified Christ drawing all to Himself.
5. Acts 17:18–32; Luke 23:35–37 — The cross judged “babble” and “weakness,” yet it is God’s saving wisdom.

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At St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Gibbon, Minnesota, God has gathered a congregation where all ages are present, from newborns to grandparents. We are united in Christ through the historic liturgy. Children are a visible and joyful part of our life together, with active Sunday School and youth ministries woven into the fabric of our community. Here, every generation receives the saving benefits of Christ through His Word and Sacraments. Whether you’re listening nearby or far away, you’re welcome to join us in person or online.

Visit us: 63924 240th St, Gibbon, MN 55335 | (507) 834-6676 | splcgibbon.org

Join us Sundays:

• September–May
  • 8:30am Sunday School | 9am Bible Study | 10am Worship
• June–August
  • 9am Worship

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