The Exclusivity of Christ

CELL MATTERS

 

HANG-UPS:  THE EXCLUSIVITY OF CHRIST

NOTE:  Even Christians struggle with the notion that Jesus is the ONLY way to heaven. There is something deep in our human nature that rebels against the idea that we only get one option for eternity.  This lesson may stir up some of these hard feelings.  As a leader, be prayed up and prepared for the struggle.

OPENING QUESTIONS:

1. When you have a problem, to whom are you more likely to turn:  A person who gives long, detailed answers, or someone who gives you a simple solution?  Why?

DIGGING DEEPER:

1. READ Acts 10 together.  (It’s long so you may want to break it up a bit.)
2. How does verse 2 describe Cornelius?  If this was all you knew of him, would you guess that Cornelius was a “Christian”?
3. The Apostle Peter was Jewish and Cornelius was a Gentile which meant they did not get along very well. (look at verses 27-29)  What kinds of barriers did God break down in order to bring the two men together?
4. Look at verses 25-26, how do you imagine each man was feeling as they met for the first time?
5. How eager was Cornelius to discover the truth?
6. What lesson did Peter learn through this experience?
7. How was Cornelius’ life changed after hearing the message about Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross?

GETTING PERSONAL:

1. Using this story, how would you respond to the question: “Can those who have never heard about Jesus be saved?” 
2. How does the claim that “Jesus is the only way” affect you personally? 

PRAYER

1. Close by praying for one another and for your friends who do not know Jesus yet.