The message of the cross of Jesus is absolutely essential because it

- reveals the amazing love of God for mankind

- reveals our desperate need for salvation

- reveals the way of salvation that God has provided

But it also

- demands a response from us

- challenges our personal pride

- challenges our religious pride

1 Corinthians 1:18-25, 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, John 3:16, John 15:13, Romans 5:8, Romans 3:23, Hebrews 9:22, Matthew 26:27-28, Romans 10:9, Acts 4:12