// Sermon Application //

1. In your recent evangelistic encounters, what are some specific ways that you have seen the world (unbelievers) consider the word of cross to be folly to them? How have you responded to this sentiment? What can you and should you do when you encounter an unbeliever who considers the word of the cross to be folly to them? How would God have us respond in such situations? Is this how you are responding? Why/not?

2. Churches and individuals alike can be tempted to use means other than the cross of Christ to seek to win a hearing with unbelievers. Churches can be tempted with "putting on a show" to attract unbelievers. Individuals too can be tempted to use means other than the gospel (eg. coolness, friendship, movies, etc.). What are some specific things that you have been tempted to use other than the gospel to win a hearing with unbelievers? How do you know when you've gone too far in using things other than the word of the cross spoken plainly to win the lost?

3. Are you prone to have pride in thinking that your eloquence, your example, your love, your persuasion, your (fill in the blank) will be what holds the power to convert the lost? How can you grow to trust more in the word of the cross alone to hold the power to convert the lost and build up other believers?

4. For Christians, the word of the cross is constantly being attacked and undermined by opposing worldview(s) that build on different foundations. Are there any current ways of thinking that are grabbing hold in your mind and threatening to take too prominent of a place, thus undermining the word of the cross? Describe.

5. Pastor Brian Powell used homosexuality and gender issues to illustrate how many people today are prone to define their identity according to their desires, which are in conflict with the word of the cross. Are there any ways that you are prone to define yourself wrongly by paying too much attention to your desires? How does the word of the cross speak into those personal challenges?