The Paradox of the Cross: Love and Sacrifice

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. **1 Corinthians 1:18** - "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
2. **John 3:16** - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever

Day 1: Embracing the Paradox of the Cross
The Cross of Christ stands as a profound paradox, embodying both the deepest suffering and the most profound love. It is a symbol that defies our natural inclinations to associate power with strength and dominance, instead presenting us with a Savior who chose to suffer and die. This unexpected representation of divine love calls us to look beyond our preconceptions and find the sacred in the sacrifice. The Cross invites us to embrace a love that is willing to endure the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of humanity, challenging us to reflect on the true nature of divine love and how it can transform our lives.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." - 1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV

Reflection: How does the paradox of the Cross challenge your understanding of God's love, and how might this influence the way you live out your faith today?

Day 2: Living Transformed by the Cross
The Cross is not merely a historical event to be remembered; it is a call to live a transformed life. Recognizing the cost of our redemption through Christ's sacrifice on the Cross should fundamentally alter our actions, attitudes, and priorities. It is a call to live in a way that reflects the grace we have received, to demonstrate to the world the transformative power of what we call 'Good Friday.' This transformation is not just personal but communal, as we live out the implications of the Cross in our relationships, our service, and our witness to others.

"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." - 1 John 3:16 ESV

Reflection: In what practical ways can you live out the transformative power of the Cross in your daily interactions and decisions?

Day 3: Unity in Community Worship
Gathering as a community, whether in person or online, is a testament to our unity in Christ. It is through collective worship and remembrance of the Cross that we draw strength and encouragement. This unity is not just about being together; it is about sharing in the life and sacrifice of Jesus, encouraging one another, and growing together in faith. The practice of communal worship is a powerful expression of our shared belief and our commitment to living out the gospel in every aspect of our lives.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV

Reflection: How can your participation in communal worship this week be an act of encouragement and unity within your church community?

Day 4: The Strength in Surrender
Surrender to God is not a sign of weakness but a strategic spiritual posture. In moments of fatigue or depletion, surrendering to God is the gateway to being filled with His strength. It is in our weakness that His power is made perfect. When we surrender, we acknowledge our dependence on God, allowing His Holy Spirit to renew and sustain us. This act of surrender is a daily practice, one that requires humility and trust in God's provision and strength.

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Day 5: Anchored in Praise
Praise is a powerful tool that shifts our focus from our circumstances to the sovereignty of God. It anchors us in the truth of God's goodness and faithfulness, regardless of external changes or disruptions. Praise is not dependent on our situation but is a response to who God is. As we praise God, we are reminded of His presence in our lives and His unchanging nature. This act of praise is both a declaration of trust and a weapon against discouragement and doubt.

"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth." - Psalm 34:1 ESV

Reflection: What specific situation in your life today can you approach with an attitude of praise, and how can this change your perspective on that situation?

Good morning!

It's awesome to see everyone here at our service at Fleming Island United Methodist Church this morning. Whether you're in the sanctuary or joining us online, thank you for worshiping with us this morning.

If you're a guest with us this morning, we are especially honored and privileged that you chose to spend your worship time here with us. Again, whether you're joining us here in the sanctuary or online, make sure if you do not have one, we have the connect cards. If there's anything we can pray for you, if you need anything, or if you want to get involved in anything, you can fill out one of these connect cards and drop it in the offering baskets during communion.

Now, if we could all stand for this morning's call to worship:

Let us gather again in the shadow of the Cross of Christ. We who would have guessed that the height and the depth, the length and width of God's love might look like this—a forsaken savior on a cross. Certainly not us.

Let us gather again in the shadow of the Cross of Christ and commit ourselves to remember the price paid. Let us live our lives in a way that indicates why this Friday is called Good Friday.

Now let us continue to praise our Lord and Savior this morning.

Well, good morning!

It's a little less energy this morning for the daylight savings. People that are suffering like me, raise your hand. Come on, I'm not the only one! Amen!

All right, well, you know what happens on mornings like this when we don't have the same level of oomph. All we have to do is surrender a little bit harder, and God's going to fill us with His Holy Spirit's presence as we come together today and just focus on praising Him for all the good things He does in our lives and forget about the time change.

"Let us gather again in the shadow of the Cross of Christ, we who would have guessed that the height and the depth, the length and width of God's love might look like this, a forsaken savior on a cross certainly not us, not us are without. Let us gather again in the shadow of the Cross of Christ and commit ourselves to remember the price paid." [07:01 ] (Make clip | Crop for social media | Crop + Caption)



"Let us live our lives in a way that indicates why this Friday is called good. Than God Gates we and wi in CHR now let us continue to praise our Lord and savior this morning." [07:01 ] (Make clip | Crop for social media | Crop + Caption)



"Well good morning it's a little less energy this morning for the daylight savings people that are suffering like me, raise your hand come on I'm not the only one, amen. All we have to do is surrender a little bit harder and God's going to fill us with his holy spirit's presence." [08:01 ] (Make clip | Crop for social media | Crop + Caption)



"As we come together today and just focus on praising him for all the good things he does in our lives and forget about the time change." [08:01 ] (Make clip | Crop for social media | Crop + Caption)