CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL – Topic: UNDERSTANDING THE CROSS OF CHRIST  [Church of God Mission International] – SUNDAY 9TH JULY, 2023

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CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL

SUNDAY 9TH JULY, 2023

HYMNS: S.S. & S.616- “Take My Life and Let it Be”

TOPIC:
UNDERSTANDING THE CROSS OF CHRIST

TEXT:
Matthew 16:21; 21-26; Philippians 2:3-8; 1Cor 1:18-19

CENTRAL THOUGHT:
The Cross of Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith.

INTRODUCTION:
The Cross of Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith. At the heart of Christianity is the message that the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth, lived a sinless life and died on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Through His death and resurrection, He offered salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him.
As we study the Cross of Christ, we will be challenged to examine our own understanding of the cross and the Christian life. We will be reminded that the path of discipleship may not always be an easy or comfortable one, but it is the path that leads to true life and joy. Let us therefore , take up our cross and follow Christ no matter the cost.

LESSON OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this lesson are to:

  1. understand the differences between the Old cross and the New cross;
  2. examine the biblical foundation of the Old cross;
  3. evaluate our understanding of the cross and the Christian life;
  4. apply the principles of the Old cross to our daily living; and
  5. apply the principles of the Old cross in our corporate worship.

BIBLE TRUTH:

Q1: WHAT DO WE MEAN BY THE OLD CROSS AND WHAT BIBLICAL PASSAGES SUPPORT IT?

In this study, the ”old cross” refers to the basic Biblical standards that portray the life of Christ and the Believers’ selflessness and total surrender to the Lordship of Christ.
The Old cross is characterized by some key principles; which include:-

  1. The Forgiveness of Sins:
    The Old Cross recognizes that the forgiveness of sins is only possible through the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross and that there is no other way to be saved (Acts 5:31, Acts 26:18, Colossians 1:14, 1 John 1:8-9).
  2. Deliverance from sin:
    The Old Cross acknowledges that sin is a powerful force in our lives, but that through the power of the Cross, we can be delivered from it’s grip and set free to live a new life (Luke 4:18, Hebrews 2:14-15).
  3. Death to Self:
    The Old Cross calls us to die to ourselves, to renounce our own desires and ambitions, and to surrender our lives completely to Christ (Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:6-7).
  4. The Call to Discipleship:
    The Old Cross calls us to take up our own cross and follow Christ, to live a life of self-denial and sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel (Luke 14:27; Luke 9:23).
  5. A Life of Love:
    (John 13:35, 1 John 4:7-12).

Q2: WHAT IS THE NEW CROSS?

 The "New cross" is the perversive concept and behavior of some "new age" Christians who do not give much attention to being built up as disciples of Christ. The New Cross is characterized by several key principles:-
  1. A Focus on Personal Happiness:
    The New Cross seeks to use Christ as a means to achieve personal happiness and success, rather than surrendering to His Lordship and living for His purpose (1 John 2:16).
  2. The Accommodation of Sin:
    The New Cross fails to completely address the problem of sin and it’s consequences, misinterpreting God’s grace to not require true repentance or transformation (Romans 6:12).
  3. A Lack of Discipleship:
    The New Cross does not call us to follow Christ in a life of self-denial and sacrifice, but instead offers an easy and comfortable path that requires little commitment and sacrifice (Luke 9:62).
  4. A Rejection of Offering:
    The New Cross does not acknowledge the reality of suffering and persecution that often comes with following Christ, and seeks to avoid it at all costs (Matthew 13:21, 2 Timothy 3:12).

Q3: HOW DOES THE OLD CROSS DIFFER FROM THE NEW CROSS IN TERMS OF ITS FOCUS AND PURPOSE?

Generally, the Old Cross and the New Cross represent two very different approaches to the Christian life. The Old Cross calls us to a life of true discipleship and self surrender, while the New Cross offers a superficial and ultimately unsatisfying version of Christianity. As Christians, it is important for us to embrace the Old Cross and reject the New Cross, so that we can truly follow Christ and make a meaningful impact on the world (Matthew 6:33).

Q4: WHAT ARE SOME PRACTICAL WAYS THAT WE CAN APPLY THE PRINCIPLES OF THE OLD CROSS TO OUR DAILY LIVING?

There are several practical ways that we can apply the principles of the Old Cross to our daily living. Here are some few examples:-

  1. Practice Self-denial:
    One of the key principles of the Old Cross is self-denial. We are called to die to ourselves and live for Christ. This means putting aside our own desires and preferences in order to follow Him. We can practice self-denial by intentionally choosing to do things that please God, benefit others, rather than just ourselves (Mark 8:34).
  2. Embrace Sacrifice:
    We are called to take up our cross and follow Christ, even if it means suffering hardship (2 Timothy 2:3).
  3. Prioritize Discipleship:
    We can prioritize discipleship by making time for prayer, reading the Bible, attending Church, and other spiritual practices that help us draw closer to God (John 14:23).
  4. Reject Worldly Values:
    The Old Cross calls us to embrace the Values of the Kingdom of God by choosing to live differently from the world around us (Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15-17).
  5. Share the Gospel:
    Finally, the Old Cross calls us to share the Gospel with others by living out our faith in front of others, being willing to share our testimonies and the Gospel of Christ with those around us (Matthew 28:19-20).
    The Principles of the Old Cross calls us to live a life of discipleship, self-denial, sacrifice and prioritizing our relationship with Christ above all else. By intentionally applying these principles to our daily lives, we can become more like Christ and make a difference in the world around us.

Q5: WHAT ARE SOME PRACTICAL WAYS THAT THE CHURCH CAN APPLY THE PRINCIPLES OF THE OLD CROSS?
The Principles of the Old Cross can also be applied to the Church as a whole. Here are some practical ways that the Church can carry out these principles:-

  1. Prioritize Envagelism:
    The Church can actively seek opportunities to share the Gospel with those who do not yet know Christ. This might involve intentional outreach efforts, events or programs designed to connect with the community, or simply encouraging members to share their faith with those around them.
  2. Foster a Culture of Humility:
    The Old Cross emphasizes humility, recognizes our own limitations and dependence on God, encourages the members to confess their faults to one another, seek forgiveness and esteem others better than ourselves.
  3. Encouraging Corporate Bible Study:
    The Bible is the primary way that God reveals Himself to us and teaches us how to live as followers of Christ. By studying the Bible together as a community, we can deepen our understanding of God’s word, grow in our faith and build unity as a Church.
    By deliberately applying these practical ways, the church can become more effective in its mission of making disciples and sharing the Love of Christ with the world.

DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:

  As we seek to follow Christ and live out the principles of the Old Cross, we must remember that it may not always be an easy or comfortable path. It requires self-denial, sacrifice, and a willingness to put the needs of others before our own. But it is also a path that leads to true life and joy, as we experience the love and power of Christ working in and through us. Let us therefore, take up our cross daily and follow Him.

MEMORY VERSE: 1 Corinthians 1:18

“For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

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