ST NICOLAS, NEWBURY

HOME GROUP QUESTIONS

BASIC CHRISTIANITY - 7 - THE DEATH OF CHRIST

For home groups that would like them, here are some questions based on Sunday morning's teaching material. There's no need to answer them all - just tackle the ones you have time for. You don't need to stick to the areas mentioned here - feel free to discuss any other issues that arise for you.

1. 'God has taken the initiative in Jesus Christ to rescue us from our sins.' How do you respond to the suggestion that this is the main theme of the Bible?

2. Turn to Leviticus 17:11 and Hebrews 9:22. Why do you think that divine forgiveness in Old Testament times required the shedding of blood?

3. Now turn to Isaiah 53. Read the whole chapter slowly and thoughtfully. Let it sink in for a few minutes.

4. Why is this passage so special for us as Christians? Can you pick out the different ways in which it applies to Jesus?

5. Now turn to 1 Peter 2:18-23. On the basis of what Peter says here, what would you say to fellow Christians who feel that they are suffering unjustly?

6. In the light of this passage, are there ways in which you could follow Jesus more closely than you do?

7. Now read verses 24-25. Having set out Jesus as our example, what more does Peter have to say about his death?

8. Have a look at Leviticus 16:20-22. How does this help us to understand what Peter means when he says that Jesus 'bore our sins in his body'?

9. Turn now to 2 Corinthians 5:18-21. How does Paul express the ideas that we have found in what Peter writes? Does he add anything?

10. "The idea that God requires the death of his Son before he will forgive us is barbaric and grotesque." It is indeed! So what's wrong with this way of putting it?

11. "No religious observance or good behaviour on our part could ever bridge the gulf between us and God and earn our forgiveness." Why not? Why is it that so many people think that just doing their best will earn them a place in heaven?

12. Take some time to reflect with praise and thanksgiving on the love of God revealed in the death of Christ for us. And then pray about the opportunities we have to live out and share this good news with others.

David Stone
26 January 2009