CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL – Topic: The cross of Christ demonstrates God’s love for mankind [Church of God Mission International] SUNDAY 2ND JULY, 2023
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CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
SUNDAY 2ND JULY, 2023
CENTRAL THOUGHT: The cross of Christ demonstrates God’s love for mankind
HYMN: S. S. & S. 115 “When I Survey…”
HOPE AND SALVATION IN THE CROSS OF CHRIST
TEXT:Rom3:23; Eph 2:8- 9; 2 Cor 5:21; Rom 10:9- 10; Mat 28:19-20
The cross of Christ demonstrates God’s love for mankind:
The old rugged cross has long been a symbol of the sacrifice, and salvation that we have through Jesus’ death on the cross. The Lord Jesus willingly took upon Himself the that we deserve for our sins, and through His death and resurrection, we can have eternal life.
In this study, we will explore the significance of Jesus’ death on the cross, the hope, and the salvation that we have through His sacrifice.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this study are to:
- understand the love and sacrifice Jesus demonstrated th His death on the cross;
- appreciate how the Cross was an emblem of shame:
- appreciate the forgiveness of sins that we have through Jesus’
death on the cross; - recognize the hope and salvation that we have through Jesus’
resurrection; and - apply the principles from the study to our daily Christian lives.
BIBLE TRUTH:
Q1. WHAT DOES JESUS’ CROSS SYMBOLIZE?
Jesus’ cross is a symbol of the love and sacrifice He demonstrated through His death on the cross. The cross specifically speaks to the fact that Jesus’ death on the cross was a brutal and painful experience. It represents the fact that Jesus willingly took upon Himself the punishment that we deserve for our sins, and that through His death and resurrection, we can have eternal life. Indeed, it was also an act of great love and devotion.
Q2. HOW IS THE CROSS AN EMBLEM OF SHAME?
The cross was originally an emblem of shame and a symbol of punishment for criminals in the ancient world. In the time of Jesus, criminals who were sentenced to death were often crucified, which was a particularly cruel and painful form of execution. The cross was a symbol of shame because it was reserved for the most heinous of crimes, and those who were crucified were often seen as the lowest and most despised criminal members of society.
However, while Jesus’ death on the cross, remained symbol of shame and punishment in the eyes of the world, it has become a symbol of love and sacrifice for those who followed Him. The fact that Jesus, who was innocent and sinless, willingly took upon Himself the punishment that we deserve for our sins, demonstrates His great love and devotion to us. As a result, the cross is the symbol of hope and salvation for those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Q3. WHAT DID JESUS WILLINGLY TAKE UPON HIMSELF THROUGH HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS?
Jesus willingly took upon Himself the punishment that we deserve for our sins. He became the perfect sacrifice for our sin, paying the price for our wrongdoing and reconciling us to God. The Bible teaches that we are all sinners and that we fall short of God’s perfect standard of holiness (Romans 3:23). As a result, we are subject to God’s judgment and punishment for our sin. The Bible says, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV). Through Jesus’ deaths on the cross, we can be forgiven of our sins and reconciled to God, experiencing His love and grace in a deeper way.
His death on the cross demonstrates His great love and sacrifice for us, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the hope and salvation that we have in Him.
Q4. HOW CAN WE BE FORGIVEN OF OUR SINS THROUGH JESUS’ DEATH ON THE CROSS?
The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift from God, and that it cannot be earned or achieved through our own works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Instead, salvation is offered to us through Jesus’ death on the cross, and it is received by faith. To be forgiven of our sins we must first recognize that we are sinners and that we fall short of God’s perfect standard of holiness. We must also recognize that Jesus willingly took upon Himself the punishment that we deserve for our sins, and that through His death and resurrection, we can be reconciled to God. Once we have recognized these things, we must then turn to Jesus in repentance and faith, accepting His sacrifice as the payment for our sins, and inviting Him into our lives as our Lord and Saviour.
The Bible says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto fullest. salvation” (Romans 10:9-10). Thus, by turning to Jesus in repentance and faith, and inviting Him into our lives, we| can experience the forgiveness and reconciliation that come through His death and resurrection.
Q5. WHAT HOPE AND SALVATION DO WE HAVE THROUGH JESUS’ RESURRECTION?
Through Jesus’ resurrection, we have the hope and assurance of salvation. The resurrection of Jesus is cornerstone of the Christian faith, as it demonstrates that He is who He claimed to be the Son of God and the Messiah and that His death on the cross was sufficient to atone for the sins of humanity. It also demonstrates the power and victory of God over death and sin. (Heb. 2:14, 15). Through Jesus’ resurrection, we have the hope of eternal life and the promise of our own resurrection. (Rom. 6:4-6). The resurrection gives us the hope of our new life in Christ and the power to live that life to the the fullest
Q6. HOW CAN WE APPLY THE PRINCIPLES OF THIS STUDY TO OUR DAILY LIVES?
As we reflect on the love and sacrifice of Jesus demonstrated through His death on the cross and the forgiveness of sins that we have through His sacrifice, let us seek to apply these principles to our daily lives. Here are some specific ways in which we can do so:
Seek to follow Jesus more closely and grow in our faith. This will involve reading the Bible, praying, participating in worship, and serving others.
Seek to extend forgiveness to others. As we have been forgiven of our sins through Jesus’ death on the cross, let us learn to extend that same forgiveness to others. This should also include forgiving those who have wronged us. (Col. 3:13).
Seek to share the hope and salvation that we have in Jesus with others. This should involve sharing our faith with others, inviting them to church, and praying for those who do not yet know Jesus Christ.
Seek to live a life that honours and glorifies Jesus Christ
This should involve living a life that is pleasing to God, seeking to follow His will and be a blessing to others
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
By applying these principles to our daily lives, we can experience the fullness of the love, forgiveness and salvation that come through Jesus’ death on the cross. May the Lord bless us as we seek to follow Him and grow in our faith.
MEMORY VERSE:
ROMANS 5:8
“But God commended His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”
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