08/04/2026
CHURCH OF GOD MISSION INTERNATIONAL, RUMUODARA PROVINCIAL HEADQUARTERS
DATE: 5TH April 2026. (EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE)
SPEAKER: Rev. Engr. Mrs. Happiness Ihueze (Ph.D)
TOPIC: THE CROSS AND RESURRECTION (The Cross & The Empty Tomb)
TEXT: Luke 23:34
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
(a) What does the resurrection of Christ mean to you?
(b) What does Easter mean to you?
(c) How do you know that you are born again?
The cross is the automaton of the love of God, It demonstrates the love of God. The cross reflects the love of God. It is the best expression of love. John 3:16.
SEVEN (7) FEATURES OF THE CROSS
1). FORGIVENESS:
The Cross shows forgiveness Luke 23:34.
The first statement of Jesus on the Cross is forgiveness. One of the characteristics of a true Christian is the ability to forgive easily. Forgiveness is the lifestyle of a Christian.
Jesus was being crucified, but He still prayed for the forgiveness of our sins. Even in pain, Jesus chose forgiveness over vengeance.
2). THE CROSS BRINGS SALVATION: Luke 23:43
Salvation is acknowledging what Christ has done for you on the Cross.
POINT OF NOTE (1): The thief expressed acknowledgement to Jesus, and salvation was delivered to him.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
(1) If your sins have been forgiven, why should you still be under sin?
The Cross brings instant salvation. John 19:26-27. No life is beyond redemption. Salvation is always available. Even in a bad situation, learn to trust God because miracles can happen at any moment. There can not be a resurrection without crucifixion. Luke 23:43.
3). RELATIONSHIP:
The Cross shows relationship, love, value, and friendship. What keeps a man alive is his purpose. The Cross reminds us of the value of relatioship (e.g, family). What you say determines your worth. Weigh your words always. Jesus demonstrated love even in pain and suffering on the Cross. Jesus never spoke harsh or abusive words. Instead, He remained calm and spoke with love.
Place value on friendship and family. Good relationships will help influence your lifestyle. No man should be in his own world.
4). PAIN:
Jesus felt pain (showing a human nature in Him) so that He could understand our pain. Matth. 27:46. The pain and scars are to show that He is the same man who was crucified and still resurrected. There is a human You, but do not let it overrule the Spiritual you. It's better to depend on God so that you can overcome the flesh. Even in the deepest moments, God is still with you. Your darkest moments are not beyond God's understanding.
5. THIRST (BITTERNESS)
The work of the redemption is done and over with, and that is why salvation is a finished work. John 19:28. As He(Jesus) drank the vinegar, He had a taste of our pain, bitterness, and sorrow.
CHARACTERISTICS OF VINEGAR
(1) pain
(2) bitterness, etc
POINT OF NOTE (2) Vinegar is a key element of healing.
"He took away our infirmities, and by His stripes, we are healed. John 19:30, Luke 23:46. Jesus made this statement to encourage everyone to pray at every point in their life.
6. "IT IS FINISHED"
Jesus nailed everything to the cross; our pain and our sorrow, and He said, “It is finished.”John 19:30. Salvation is a finished work.
POINT OF NOTE (3): Sin has been fully paid for. We sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus far above every Principalities and power. We are mobile altars. God lives in us through the Holy Spirit. We can pray and connect to God directly. There is no need for a third party or intermediary to reach God. If anyone says you must go through them before your prayers can reach God, that person is not correct. John 19:30. The only way to God is through Jesus, and He lives in us. Therefore, we ourselves are mobile altars. We carry God’s presence wherever we go.
7. PRAY AT ALL TIMES:
Luke 23:46. This was the last prayer that Jesus prayed before He gave up the ghost. At every point in time, learn to pray. Even in pain and suffering on the cross, Jesus still prayed. This teaches us that in every situation, good or bad, we should always pray.
FINAL THOUGHT: No matter how difficult life gets, never stop praying.
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