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Read Hebrews 10:1-10.

When most people think about the cross of Jesus, they think about the New Testament. They think about Calvary and Pilate and Roman soldiers. But the cross did not simply spring up in the middle of redemption’s story as though it were an afterthought in the mind of God. The cross had always been God’s plan of salvation, and so we shouldn’t be surprised to clearly find it in the Old Testament as well.

The cross was God’s answer to humanity’s sin and rebellion when Adam and Eve fell. For from the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, God instituted the shedding of blood. An innocent animal was slain in order to cover our first parents’ sin (see Genesis 3:21). The Lord wanted them to know that their sin was costly, which is why, from Abraham to Moses to the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, animal sacrifices were offered continuously. Innocent blood was shed for the sake of guilty sinners. However, after Jesus endured the cross, animal sacrifices were no longer necessary. Atonement for sin, which was never achievable through the blood of animals nor the efforts of man, was finally and eternally settled by the blood of the divine Son of God.

From the earliest days of humanity, God’s people have understood that their sin required a sacrifice—and they passed this Truth down to their children. Today, as we look back on the cross as the final sacrifice, there is no greater legacy we can give the next generation than to tell them about the seriousness of sin and the amazing grace of the cross of Christ.

Prayer: Lord, I know that sin is deadly serious—so serious that only the blood of the Son of God could make atonement. Help me to share this Truth humbly and lovingly with the next generation, that they might know Your salvation. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon The Folly and the Power of the Cross, Part 1: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.



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