Pastor Chad taught that the cross, once a symbol of shame and punishment in the Roman world, became the greatest symbol of hope because of Jesus. He explained that the real problem in the world is the evil and sin present in every human heart, which separates us from God. From the beginning of Scripture, God promised a coming Savior who would defeat evil and restore humanity. Jesus fulfilled that promise by living without sin and dying on the cross as our substitute, taking the punishment we deserved so we could be forgiven and reconciled to God. Through the cross, the barrier between God and humanity was removed, giving believers access to God and the transforming power of His Spirit.