Why is the message of the cross central in preaching?

1 Corinthians 1:17-18 clarifies that the cross is the focal point of the gospel message. Paul states that Christ sent him not to baptize but to preach the gospel, which centers on Christ and Him crucified. The preaching of the cross is not just a motif; it includes the understanding of our sins and the sacrificial atonement made by Christ. For believers, this message is transformative, offering life and hope, while to others, it may seem like foolishness. The power of the cross serves as the very core of Christian preaching.