Returning to the Cross

Pastor and popular author Tony Evans will explain the power of the cross in our everyday lives to guests at the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove. But you can watch right from your home computer via webcast. Or read more in our interview.

“We need turn to the cross as the point of reference for all aspects of life. Not only for salvation, but in other areas such as our relationships and careers,” said Evans, who will lead a seminar titled Returning to the Cross. “The cross needs to be returned to that center like God intended. When the New Testament refers to the cross, it talks about more than eternity.”

Evans will base the seminar’s lessons on Galatians 6: 11-16:

See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh. But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

“As Paul wrote this letter, he wanted it to be known that everything he does is tied to his perspective of the cross,” explained Evans. “This particular passage will be a launching point to position the cross to those of us living in a world that does not understand the cross.”

Evans says many Christians do not live their lives with the cross in perspective because of what they have been taught.

“One problem is that a lot of preaching only references the cross as a source of eternal life in heaven. As a result, people don’t see the connection between the cross and our daily life here on earth. Many have not heard the full explanation of what was accomplished on the cross besides our ‘legal’ relationship, or salvation. Jesus died so that we could be sanctified – growing to become more like Him as each day passes.”

Evans hopes that his audience will leave this seminar with a renewed sense of wonder of everything that Jesus did for them on the cross.

“When the people leave, I want them to be able to say, ‘I never knew that the cross means so much to my life now.’ I want them to live in light of the transforming work of Christ.”

Tony Evans is senior pastor of the over 8,000-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas. He is founder and president of The Urban Alternative, a popular author, and chaplain to the Dallas Mavericks.

Singer/songwriter Anthony Evans, son of Tony Evans, will present an “Evening at the Cove” on the evening of July 17. When you register for this seminar, be sure to stay an extra night so you can enjoy this night of worship.

Read more about Anthony Evans’ “Evening at the Cove” »