Discovering the Far Greater StorySample

THE CROSS

Did you know that the far greater story of God’s love for you is not a fairy tale or a myth? All we have talked about over the last few days—creation, rebellion, redemption, and restoration—is absolutely true. It was proven true by an event that we can investigate—the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Think about that. Something happened in human history that proves that the story of God’s love for you is true.

As a refresher, here are all the parts of the far greater story:

• Creation tells us how this world became a reality. God created.
• Rebellion explains why there is suffering and brokenness in this world. This is so because we and everyone else are sinners. Sin has consequences and requires judgment.
• Redemption shares how Jesus paid the penalty for our sin at the cross and bought back our lives. He took the judgment for our sin.
• Restoration gives us insight into why our future is bright. Jesus will restore all that is broken, and God will live with His people forever.
• The Cross proves that this is no fairy tale. This is a true story based upon facts.

Christianity rests upon the cross event. If Jesus did not die on a cross and come back to life, then our faith in Him is only wishful thinking. But the truth is that He did die. He was buried in a tomb, and He rose again, defeating death and conquering sin on our behalf. The good news of the gospel is that by trusting in Jesus and in what He did for us at the cross, we can be forgiven and live with God forever.

Here are some things to think about today:

• Watch the video, “The Cross.”
• Why is the cross so important?
• What evidence is there for Jesus’ resurrection?
• Have you put your faith in Jesus?
• Ask God to help you to follow Jesus and to let your life be built upon Him, so that your faith will grow strong in the truth and you will overflow with thankfulness (Colossians 2:6-8).