Planting Churches among the City's Poor - Volume 1

138 • P LANTING C HURCHES AMONG THE C ITY ’ S P OOR : V OLUME 1

to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 3. Its meaning in Jesus’ history : As God’s perfect Lamb, Jesus offers himself up to God as a sin offering on behalf of the world, and through his death, destroys death, the curse, the grave, and the works of the devil. 4. The Season of the Church Year : Holy Week, the Suffering and Death of Christ. Holy Week recalls the events of Christ’s suffering and death. We recall his triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, his giving of the commandments on Maundy (or “New Commandment”) Thursday, his crucifixion on Good Friday, and the end the week with the solemn vigil of Saturday night before Easter Sunday.

5. As to Spiritual Formation : May those who share the Lord’s death be resurrected with him.

F. Eastertide: the Victorious Conqueror

1. Biblical framework : In his resurrection from the dead and his ascension to the right hand of God, Jesus is verified, confirmed, and exalted as Victor over death and the restorer of creation.

2. Exemplar Scripture references

a. God raised up Jesus, and has made him both Lord and Christ, Acts 2.32-36 – This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. b. Christ is exalted as Head of the Church, Eph. 1.19-23 – and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his