LENT BIBLE STUDY: SAVIOR – What the Bible says about the Cross
PUMC Study for Lent: Understandings & Applications of God’s Atonement through Christ
This study is for any member or friend of PUMC who wants to better understand and apply classic understandings of God’s Salvation through the life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Led by Ken Constantine, we will read and discuss the book Savior – What the Bible says about the Cross, by Magrey R. deVega, which includes a study guide and videos. There will be one background session and then 6 sessions, each focusing on one chapter from deVega’s book. Meetings will be on Zoom, Wednesdays at 10am, from Feb 17 through Mar 31.
We have copies of the book available through the church.
Contact the church office to join in.
Study Videos: https://my.amplifymedia.com/amplify/series/unitedmethodistpublishinghouse/43025-savior
Study Notes
Session 0
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Session 4
Session 5
Session 6
Session 7
PUMC Study for Lent: Understandings & Applications of God’s Atonement through Christ
Goals:
• to study classic understandings of God’s Salvation through the life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
• to focus on aspects of Christian Salvation that are the focii of these understandings
• to focus on the complementary notions of “sin” which impede God’s Salvation through Jesus
• to consider strengths and potential weaknesses of each “Theory of the Atonement”
• to help each student internalize a stronger personal understanding of Christian Salvation
• to help each student be better prepared to have an honest and informed conversation about faith issues with someone looking at Christianity from the “outside”
Intended Audience:
Members and friends of PUMC who want to study some classic approaches to God’s Salvation through the life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
Study Book:
Savior – What the Bible says about the Cross, by Magrey R. deVega
The book comes with a study guide.
Optional Reference:
Saving Power – Theories of atonement and forms of the Church, by Peter Schmiechen
($34 on Amazon)
Class Sessions: (each considering one chapter, each on Zoom, each including videos from the author)
0. Background
➢ Why do we care about Christian Theology?
➢ How do Theology and Practice relate?
➢ What understandings from Christian Theology inspire you the most? … spur you to action?
➢ What issues from Christian Theology puzzle you the most?
➢ How do view God?
➢ How can/does your theology aid honest and informed conversation about faith issues with someone looking at Christianity from the “outside”?
1. Substitution: Jesus Takes Your Place
2. Ransom: Jesus Sets You Free (aka Liberation)
3. Moral Example: Jesus Shows You How to Live
4. Reconciliation: Jesus Restores Your Relationship
5. Cleansing: Jesus Makes You Clean (aka Sacrifice)
6. Christus Victor: Jesus Gives You the Victory
Class Schedule:
Wednesdays, 10am
Feb 17, 24; Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 [dovetails with Lent]
Savior: What the Bible Says about the Cross
by Magrey Devega
The cross is the central symbol of the Christian faith. But what exactly did Jesus do to save us from our sins? Why was the cross necessary, and what does it mean for us today?
In Savior: What the Bible Says About the Cross, Magrey deVega faithfully describes the need for reconciliation between humankind and a holy God through Jesus’ death on the cross. The Bible uses many images to understand the meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and deVega guides us through these images to achieve a richer understanding of the Christian faith. By exploring the mystery of salvation through the cross, we can deepen our love for God and others and strengthen our commitment to follow Jesus.