WHO IS THIS MAN?
WEEK 7 DISCUSSION GUIDE "THE CROSS"
READ
This week we continued in the “Who Is This Man” series, looking to answer the question, who is Jesus? We reflected on what was central to the mission of Jesus, the cross. On the cross Jesus paid the price for our sins. He took the judgement for our sins on Himself.
Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
Sin separates us from God, it brings death and destruction.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 3:24-25
...and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood – to be received by faith...
Through his death on the cross Jesus paid the price for our sins and made a way for us to come back into right relationship with God. When we put our trust in Jesus, have faith in him, we receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Where there was once separation there is now connection through Jesus.
DISCUSS
What do you think it means to have faith in Jesus?
Think about someone you know who is living their life with faith in Jesus. What stands out to you that is different because of their faith?
How does your life look different because of faith in Jesus?
Through Jesus death on the cross we are given forgiveness of sins when we have faith in Him. Have you fully accepted the forgiveness that Jesus offers?
Is there an area in your life or in your past that Jesus has forgiven but you have not forgiven yourself?
As Jesus forgave us we are called to forgive others. Is there someone in your life that you need to extend forgiveness to?
What is one step that you can take this week to move towards forgiveness of yourself and others?
We have spent the last seven weeks looking at the life of Jesus to answer the question, who is Jesus? What is your answer to this question? Has this changed during the course of this series?
PRAY FOR YOUR GROUP
Pray that we would reflect on the price Jesus paid to free us from the power of sin and death. That we would seek and accept the forgiveness that Jesus freely gives. Pray that the Holy Spirit would bring to mind any areas of unforgiveness in our hearts and that with His help we would move towards forgiveness.
PRAY FOR FCC
Pray that we would be encouraged by the love of Christ to show his love to others. That we would be known by the way we love and forgive as Christ loves and forgives us. Pray that what breaks the heart of Jesus would break our hearts and would move us to action.
PRAY FOR OUR GLOBAL PARTNERS
Pray for all FCC global partners worldwide as they work to identify children and adults at risk for human trafficking. Ask God to strengthen, encourage and embolden our global partners in the work they do loving, educating and restoring both mental and physical aspects of dignity to each child. May peace, hope and forgiveness be planted in the hearts of those victimized and pray that they would be led to someday share in that same message of the hope of Jesus to others. *Worldwide, there are 40 million slaves today with women and girls comprising 75%. Pray that we as consumers are nudged to think about what we are purchasing and not inadvertently adding to labor trafficking worldwide.