Boasting in the Cross
2025 January 12
Galatians 6:14: Why would I boast in the cross? Paul helps us to remember to take time to really think deeply about what the cross means to my life so that I can glory in the salvation and reconciliation we have in Jesus Christ’s death. In looking at the cross, we see the power of God, the hope of peace, the reconciliation and the love that saves us. Realizing these things we are crucified to the world and find life in Jesus. (Adapted from “The Wondrous Cross,” in The Cross by Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
The Offense of the Cross
2025 January 19
Galatians 5:11: The cross is offensive to some because of it’s apparent weakness and foolishness. In this lesson we consider the roots of that along with striving to understand why I might be offended by the cross. The lesson concludes with reminders of why the cross is the power and the wisdom of God. (Adapted from The Cross by Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
The Spectacle of the Cross
2025 February 9
Luke 23:48 The day that Jesus died, the people assembled to see a spectacle. What did they see? Pilate and soldiers, those who passed by and the Jewish leaders, the criminals and the women, the bystanders and the centurion. But these are all superficial (still meaningful!) And as we look into the depths of the cross we can see the life dying, the light shining in darkness, the good shepherd as the passover lamb, and love loving. (Adapted from The Cross by Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
The Power of the Cross: Part 1 — A Prophecy
2025 February 23
1 Corinthians 1:17; Psalm 22: The Power of the cross is evident in the fulfillment of prophecy. Jehovah provided these utterances to help the people of Israel understand what was happening the day that Jesus died. In this lesson our focus is on Psalm 22 that reminds Israel and us that he is the Messiah, that He is the King, and that he is bringing salvation for all. (Adapted from The Cross by Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
The Power of the Cross: Part 2 — Signs in Nature
2025 March 9
1 Corinthians 1:17: The Power of the cross is also evident in the darkness, the tearing of the curtain, the earthquake and the resurrections. These events should fill us with awe and remind us that in that moment our God was accomplishing his great plan for our salvation. (Adapted from The Cross by Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
Overcoming the World
2025 March 16
1 John 5:4-5: The way of the world is vanity, and yet pervasive. In this lesson we are reminded that there are only two ways and that the consequences of continuing to follow in the ways of the world will lead to destruction and the loss of our souls. But through the cross of Jesus, we can be crucified to the world and have victory by our faith, confirming to the image of Jesus. (Adapted from The Cross by Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
Triumphing in the Cross
2025 April 6
Colossians 2:8-15: Paul reminds us that there are some rulers and authorities who have taken us captive, and we are dead and in debt. But in Christ and the cross we can triumph because he fills us, we are circumcised, and made alive. (Adapted from The Cross by Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
The Peace of the Cross
2025 April 13
Ephesians 2:11-22. Paul describes the hostility between Gentiles, Israelites, and between God and Man. He shows how we have peace because Jesus came, and through his death on the cross we have this peace and become one new man. (Adapted from The Cross by Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
Crucified with Christ
2025 April 20
Galatians 2:20: The criminals crucified with Jesus remind us that we have a very clear choice to make. He has died for us. Will I be crucified with him? (Adapted from The Cross by Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
It Is Finished
2025 May 4
John 19:30: What does Jesus mean when he proclaims “It is finished” while he is on the cross. In this lesson we look at the prophecies that lead to this moment, why Jesus came and how his dying on the cross helps us. (Adapted from The Cross of Jesus: What His Words from Calvary Mean For Us by Warren Wiersbe.)
Bearing the Cross
2025 May 11
John 19:17: Jesus reminds us that to be worthy and to be his disciple we must bear our cross. He was not using this as the common idiom we use in English (which robs Jesus’ statement of its meaning and power). In this lesson we look at what it means to bear the cross: denying of self, dying, producing much, and enduring.
Remember the Resurrection
2025 May 18
2 Timothy 2:1-21: Paul reminds Timothy to remember Jesus, raised from the dead. He encourages us to endure as Jesus did so that we can be exalted, providing six examples that show we can endure by being devoted, discipline, hope, faithfulness, doing good works, and patiently teaching.
End of series