Fri.10.9.15...The Death of Christ...John 19:17-30

"It is Finished!"

We now come to the most tragic, yet most world changing event in all of human history- the day Christ died. As you know, if Christ had turned back from such horrible suffering and death for our sins, we would all be hopelessly headed for eternal doom that we so deserve. The crucifixion story is actually quite familiar to us through Easter plays, sermons and Bible readings. But what may surprise you is how little is told by the gospel writers about what Christ's death on the cross was actually accomplishing. John simply tells us that Jesus declared, "It is finished." So for the new reader who just jumped into the story at this point or those standing there that day might wonder, "What is finished?" We will answer that vital question shortly, but first...

Reverently read this crucial account of the death of Christ in John 19:17-30.

"It is finished." What did Jesus' death finish or accomplish? In 2004, the blockbuster film, The Passion of the Christ came out. At the same time, Pastor John Piper wrote an excellent book entitled, The Passion of Jesus Christ. In it, he listed 50 things that the death of Christ accomplished. It's a great book that you should have. So I spent some time and got you each a copy. (It's amazing what you can find for free online:) So please go to- http://ift.tt/1ZjR7Qv; You'll see that pages 4-6 list 50 things that Christ accomplished on the cross. 

1.- Pick one of those 50 accomplishments and scroll down to read that brief chapter (or portion of the chapter if you're short on time). Then cut and paste some important words that you want to enrich us with. (Be on the lookout to send or share your great findings with others too. Perhaps you could send such to the guy you are seeking to recruit to M3.)

2.- Now end by writing your own prayer of worship and thanks to Christ for what he accomplished for you on the cross.

"It is finished." That phrase is actually one word in the Greek- "tetelesai." It is also variously rendered, to accomplish, to complete, to fulfill, to pay in full. Jesus paid all of our sin debt in full. He didn't just give a down payment. If it was just a deposit, we would be left to pay off the remaining impossible debt. Sadly, this is the view that so many people have. "Yes, I believe Jesus died on the cross for my sins. But I still think I have to pay my fair share to get into heaven by being good enough." Yet we know that even one sin is beyond repayment. Just the one sin of Adam and Eve plunged the whole world into ruin, sin and death. We would be doomed if Jesus hadn't paid it all. "It is finished!" Thank You Lord!

Announcements
May you be on the look out to share the good news with others, "It is finished!" Stay focused on this great co-mission of telling others of transformation and your T goals. I'll ask you Monday how you did. So ask God to open your eyes to opportunities around you. They are there. May we see them and seize them.

Thanks for getting all your points up on the board today.

See you Monday in our new home located at multiplyingmanlymen.com
(If you come here you'll be lonely :)