The New Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom, Student Workbook, SW13

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T H E N E W T E S T A M E N T W I T N E S S T O C H R I S T A N D H I S K I N G D O M

is simply “patently untrue.” Some of your college students attended the lecture and are very upset about the implications of it. How would you answer the lecturers claims which throw the truthfulness of the Gospels into question?

The authenticity of Jesus as Messiah is established and grounded upon the Gospel accounts in our New Testament. Jesus’ Messianic identity is powerfully revealed through his perfect life and character, his masterful leadership of the Apostles, and his submissive sonship to his Father. Further proof of Jesus’ claim to be Messiah is found in the character of his prophetic teaching ministry, as well as in the mighty demonstrations of power, both in signs and wonders (miracles) and dramatic encounter with spiritual demons. The episodes and events that make up the suffering and death of Jesus (i.e., his Passion) underscore his identity as the Messiah. These events, from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem to his suffering and crucifixion, and his burial after his death all point to his identity as the promised Messiah of God.

Restatement of the Lesson’s Thesis

If you are interested in pursuing some of the ideas of The Messiah Revealed , you might want to give these books a try: Aulen, Gustaf. Christus Victor . Trans. A. G. Hebert. New York: Collier Books, 1969.

Resources and Bibliographies

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Stott, John R. W. The Cross of Christ . Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1986.

The power of Messiah’s sufferings is so poignant and clear–in one way, there can be no understanding of ministry which doesn’t comprehend the meaning of the suffering Savior for us. All preaching, teaching, ministry, and care are squarely anchored in the mind of the one who gave up everything for us, out of love and obedience to his Father. The great Apostle Paul could say that he himself was crucified with the Lord Jesus, yet he lived by the power of the indwelling Messiah within him, the very same one who loved him and gave himself for him (Gal. 2.20). Your ability to understand and embrace these truths and make them come alive in your own life and ministry through your church is precisely the reason for this curriculum. Ask yourself honestly: do I represent in my life the meaning and power of the cross of Messiah ? Am I willing to enter into his sufferings on behalf of others so I too may be spent and poured out as an offering for the salvation of others? Has God

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