Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
The Wonder of Salvation
Scripture
35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”
36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Main Idea
Jesus made few precious statements while He hung on the cross. The first one was about forgiveness, but the second statement Jesus made on the cross was about the power of believing in His finished work. There were two thieves on the cross and both started out the same. They were followers of Barabbas who were being punished for their crimes and both were ridiculing Jesus. Then something happened to one of them. It could have been because of Jesus forgiving those who were crucifying Him or it could have been the peaceful acceptance Jesus had of His fate but one thief believed. The thief didn't have a chance for baptism or to take a discipleship class but because he called out to Jesus, he received confirmation from Jesus that today he would be with Him in paradise.
The more helpless the case, the more abundance of grace.
Discussion Questions
- Share with each other how you came to know Jesus. What changed in you to accept Him as your Savior?
- Explain how your life is different now that Jesus is your personal Savior.
- What are the hardest things for you to trust Jesus with? How can the group pray for you in that area?
Summary
The world we live in today offers more options than we know what to do with. You can customize your coffee, soda, chipotle bowl, and even choose from 5+ milk sources in the world. While choices are great to have they can cause anxiety because you might feel like you are making the wrong choice. Our enemy wants us distracted but our God wants to give us a pure and simple choice for our future. Choose Jesus. We know from scripture that we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God but instead of us getting punished for that, Jesus took it all on himself.
Matthew 27:44 reveals how both thieves were yelling insults at Jesus but then something happened to one of them. One of them asked Jesus to remember him. The beauty of grace is that is all it takes. Calling out to Jesus can change your whole life.
God's gift of salvation is:
- Promised - Many prophets shared the vision of God to send a King who would redeem His people. For those in the Old testament looking forward to the promise through Abraham to those of us now looking back to Christ, we all believe in the same promise.
- Present - In 1 Corinthians 1:18 CEV we can see that Jesus's sacrifice 2000 years ago still delivers a powerful message and change in us today.
- Personal - Jesus is telling you the same message He told the thief on the cross. "Truly, I tell you..." the message of paradise is yours to believe in.
- Proximity - Closeness to Jesus is our gift from salvation.
The three truths of salvation you need to know.
- Proximity to Jesus doesn't save us, our response to Jesus does - Being in church, around Christians, listening to Christian songs won't save you but your response to Jesus can!
- You don't go to heaven to get to Jesus, you go to Jesus to get to heaven
- It isn't just what Jesus said at the cross, it's what we say at the cross
There is a constant competition for your attention with all the options and distractions in this world. These things are meant to distract you from your family, friends, and most importantly your relationship with Christ. Being around Jesus won't fully change you or promise you an eternity with Him but if you say yes to Jesus and what He did for you on the cross then you can be changed and your eternal destination secured.
Take Action
- Write down any loved one who you want to see put their trust in Jesus and begin praying for them.
- Invite them and others to church
- When you see someone new at Velocity, extend your grace and appreciation to them so they feel welcomed.
Announcements
- March 4th - First Wednesday at 7pm
- March 4th - Youth camp information meeting at 6pm
- March 8th - Monthly Essentials class from 1pm-3pm
