INTRODUCTION
Power means capacity to do something, authority to act,control,strength etc. Power is shown in politics, economics, military etc. So what do we mean by the power of the cross? Does it mean the same as the forgoing?
HISTORY OF CROSSES
History tells us that the cross was used centuries before Christ. Several ancient traditions are associated with crosses example the Assyrian, the ancient Greeks, the ancient Mexicans, the Egyptians and the Hindus. To the Romans it was a torture device used for the execution of criminals (crucifixion) .
THE CHRISTIAN CROSS
The Christian use of the cross dud not begin until the time of Constantine, threes centuries after Christ. Constantine claimed that he saw a flaming cross UN the heavens with a inscription "in hoc signal vinces" meaning in the sign you will conquer. After the conversation of Constantine the Great, the cross came to be used as an emblem of christianity.
Forms and Functions of Crosses
Traditionally there are 4 basic forms of the cross,name
Latin
Roman
Greek
Tau
The cross has played an important role.
A symbol of Christ's suffering.
In architecture and decorative style of the church buildings during the 4th and following circles-on the head of deed; it was an invocation of heaven.
As signatures of the 10th century but declined in the 13th century only on reappear in the 15th century being characteristics of apostolic notaries
Later (Bronze age) in different part of Europe, it represented Christian art -a symbol of consecration.
The processional cross taken in procession before the congregation.
It is also an object of adornment and distinction of a Christian or vocation.
THE CROSS OF THE LORD CHRIST JESUS
Story of the cross in the bible begin in the garden where by one man's disobedience all sinned and subjected to death (Romans 5:12)
For Christ did not send me to baptised, but to preach the gospel- not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power (1 Corinthians 1:17).
Christ's death on the cross was not an accident as He himself foretold it: "and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life ( Matthew 20:19, Luke 24:46) as did happen ; it is the gospel, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4