GOD’S WORK ON THE CROSS

Equip Week

Student Leader Roles:

• Promo – Promote the Club through social media, announcements, and any other outlets the school allows.
• Welcome – Stand at the door and welcome students to the Club as they arrive. Be sure to connect any new students to the Club and Leadership so they feel like they have a place.
• Host – Start the Cub with the Welcome, Prayer, Game (if applicable), and Memory Verse.
• Speaker – Lead the Cub through Tool Time, and Dig In, using the EPIC Guide, and any supporting materials.
• Follow-up – Follow up with new (or newer) students, and students who accepted Christ for the first time or want to know more. This role requires follow-up every week, not just after INVITE Weeks.

Welcome: Welcome to First Priority! We are so glad that you have chosen to join us today! Our focus this month is going to be centered around “God’s Work on the Cross”. Today is EQUIP Week where we want to equip and encourage you on how to better share your faith with your friends.

Let’s start today’s Club with prayer.

Opening Prayer: God, thank you for another great week that we get to be here at First Priority! I am thankful for those who are here today and thankful for your love for each of us! Prepare our hearts now to hear your Word. In Jesus name, Amen.

Game – Optional (if time allows): Feel free to select a game that fits your needs best!  Click here to see the list of games available.

MEMORY VERSE: Ephesians 1:7 (NIV) – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”

Supplies: The FOUR materials. (bracelets, cards, slides, etc)

Today, we are going to be talking about the third part of a Gospel Tool called The FOUR. The FOUR is made up of four symbols that represent each part of the Gospel story and give us a tangible way to explain and share the Gospel with others. When sharing the Gospel, you can use The FOUR to help guide your conversation and ensure that you are correctly and fully sharing the Gospel message. Let’s talk through the third icon, the Cross, and discuss what it means to us and why it is important to share with others.

The Cross: Jesus Rescues Me
The Cross is the ultimate symbol of God’s love and sacrifice. Even though our sin separated us from God, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take the punishment we deserved. Through His death on the cross and resurrection, Jesus made a way for us to be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God. The Cross is where our sin was paid for, and it’s through faith in Jesus that we receive new life.

Let’s take a moment to read a few verses about how Jesus’ sacrifice rescues us.

Romans 5:8 (NIV): “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

1 Peter 2:24 (NIV): “He himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds, you have been healed.”

Leader Tip: Break into small groups or have a large group discussions based on Club size. Give students 1-2 minutes per question based on Club time.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does it feel to know that Jesus sacrificed Himself for you?
2. Why is the Cross so important in understanding the Gospel?
3. How can you share the message of the cross with someone in your life this week?

Take time to reflect on the power of the Cross and what it means for your life. Jesus’ sacrifice wasn’t just for the world—it was for you personally. Through Him, we can be forgiven, restored, and given a new purpose!

Let’s dive into the Word of God and read a verse from the book of Romans.

Romans 5:8(NIV) – “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

As students, we face various challenges and pressures every day. In the midst of it all, it’s essential to remember the incredible work of the Cross and what it means for us personally. The Cross is not just a symbol or a historical event; it represents God’s ultimate act of love and redemption. Let’s take a moment to reflect on God’s work of the cross and its significance in our lives.

When we look at the Cross, we see the depth of God’s love. Despite our flaws, failures, and sins, God chose to send His Son, Jesus, to die for us. He didn’t wait for us to clean up our act or earn His love. Instead, while we were still lost in our sin, He willingly sacrificed Himself for our sake. The Cross demonstrates that there is nothing we can do to make God love us more, and there is nothing we can do to make Him love us less.

God’s work of the Cross also brings us forgiveness and reconciliation. Through Jesus’ death, He paid the price for our sins, and by accepting Him as our Savior, we can experience forgiveness and be reconciled to God. The Cross bridges the gap between our sinful nature and God’s holiness. It is a constant reminder that no matter how far we may have strayed, God’s love and grace are always available to bring us back into a right relationship with Him.

Furthermore, the Cross reveals the power of God’s victory over sin and death. Jesus’ resurrection three days after His crucifixion demonstrated that death could not hold Him. Through His triumph over the grave, Jesus offers us Eternal Life and the hope of resurrection. The Cross reminds us that we are not bound by the limitations of this world but can live in the fullness of God’s Promises.

Leader Tip: Break into small groups or have large group discussions based on club size. Give students 1-2 minutes per question based on club time.

Discussion Questions:

• How does understanding God’s work of the Cross impact your perspective on your worth and value in His eyes?
• Reflecting on the Cross, how does it change the way you view your mistakes and shortcomings? How can you embrace God’s forgiveness and move forward?
• In what practical ways can you share the message of God’s work of the Cross with others who may not yet understand its significance?

Have Student Leaders pass out Prayer Cards.

Before we finish today, let’s spend some time thinking about friends or peers who may not know Christ. Write down a few names and let this list remind you to pray for them this week, asking God to work in their lives.

Give them time to fill out Prayer Cards.

Allow 2-3 minutes for students to share prayer requests and pray for one another.

Closing prayer suggestion: Dear Lord, we praise you for the blessing of this gathering and for the friendships we are building.

In this moment of silence, we bring before you the names of those who need to know your love. (Pause for silent prayer.)

We pray for those who have not yet encountered your saving love. Give them open hearts and surround them with people who will point them to you. In Jesus name, Amen.

PREPARE Week is coming up next week! If you’ve been working on your Faith Story since our last meeting, consider sharing it. Talk to a Club Leader about being one of the two people who will speak. Whether it’s a quick 2-3 minute story or a full 7-minute testimony, we’ll support and guide you through the process.

Announcement suggestions:

• This is the place for the Club to make any announcements for the upcoming week and or month. This is a great spot to add Student Leaders to your team and give responsibilities to them. It is also the place to check on the upcoming school schedule for days off or breaks (your Faculty Sponsor is a great resource for this)

Leader Notes:

• Remember to file the report on this week’s Club numbers!
• Prepare for PREPARE Week by reviewing the planning guide at the beginning of this month.

Leader Tip: Use the First Priority Club app to keep leader roles organized so you can reference this list on the go!