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Importance of the Resurrection
Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19
“And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are still in your sins” ( v. 17).
Toolbox, check. Parts all over the garage floor, check. Instruction manual, check. You’re ready to put that new cabinet together. You get through steps 1 and 2 like a pro. Then you turn the page and realize there's a problem; the next step in the manual is 8. Part of the manual is missing. We need all of the Bible. We can’t skip to the ending and miss out on the beginning or middle. We need each and every word and truth.
Some reject the doctrine of man's sinfulness and only want the hope of resurrection. Others ignore the life of resurrection in favor of the sinfulness of man. But it is an error to emphasize Calvary to the exclusion of Gethsemane and vice-avers. We cannot separate the cross from the empty tomb. They are one.
At the cross, we died with Christ; out of the tomb, we are made alive with Christ (Romans 6:3-4). At the cross, we resolve our past; at the tomb we gain our future (Romans 6:11).
At the cross, the power of sin is broken; at the tomb, the power of righteousness is released. (Romans 6:13);
In the cross, we taste mercy; at the tomb, we drink grace (Romans 6:22). (Don Callaway)
In the Cross of Christ I glory
Towr'ing o'er the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story
Gathers round its head sublime. -John Bowring
“I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
April 12, 2020: A Rugged Cross and an Empty Tomb (Easter)
Focus Text: Matthew 27:50-54, 57-61; 28:1-8
Central Truth: Jesus' bodily death and resurrection is the central claim of the Christian's faith.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify key reasons why Jesus' bodily death and resurrection is the central claim of the Christians' faith.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Jesus' Death (Matthew 27:50-54)
II. Jesus' Burial (Matthew 27:57-61)
III. Jesus' Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-8)
Access Through Christ
Read John 10:1-9
“Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep” (v. 7).
During the summer, our four children spend hours outdoors nearly every day, playing with friends, riding their bikes, and climbing nearby trees. While they play outside, our back door remains unlocked, giving them easy access to the amenities of home--snacks, drinks, and the occasional bandage. At night, though, our children stay inside, sleeping within the security of locked doors and under the care of their parents.
Similarly, our loving shepherd Jesus grants us access to all the delights of His caring presence, security, direction, and nourishment. Indeed, Jesus gives us abundant life as long as we follow Him. After all, Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10b).
As the “door of the sheep,” Jesus stands ready to welcome sinners into the sheepfold, where His flock enjoy His loving care and watchful protection. (Lyle Witt)
Seeking the lost, He is seeking today,
Seeking His sheep that have gone astray;
Up in His arms, and safe from the cold,
He tenderly bears them back to the fold.
-- J. A. Lee
Jesus still opens the door for all who will follow.
March 22, 2020: Christ’s High Priestly Ministry
Printed Test: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-10
Central Truth: Christ, our tested and sympathetic High Priest cannot fail.
Objective: By the end of this class my students should be able to explain the difference between Christ as our High Priest and an ordinary man as our priest.
Lesson Outline:
I. An Understanding High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16)
II. An Acknowledged High Priest (Hebrews 5:1-5)
III. A Perfected High Priest (Hebrews 5:6-10)
March 15, 2020: The Danger of Unbelief
Focus Text: Hebrews 3:7-19
Central Truth: The Christian must guard against falling into unbelief and disobedience.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to list some ways in which they can guard against unbelief and disobedience.
Lesson Outline:
I. A Warning (Hebrews 3:7-11)
II. An Exhortation (Hebrews 3:12-15)
III. The Consequence (Hebrews 3:16-19)
March 8, 2020: The Sovereign Savior
Focus Text: Hebrews 2:8-18
Central Truth: Jesus suffered and died for all so we can have victory over sin and death.
Objective: By the end of this lesson, my students should be able to identify areas of Christ's sovereignty.
Lesson Outline:
I. Perfected Through Suffering (Hebrews 2:5-10)
II. Partaker of Flesh and Blood (Hebrews 2:11-15)
III. Powerful in Temptation (Hebrews 2:16-18)