This cell plan is based on the sermon shared on Sunday, April 20th, 2025, by Rev. Ted.
Opening
Icebreaker: What did you do during the Easter weekend?
Worship
How was your bible reading in the last 2 weeks, share something from your readings with the group!
Word
Hebrews 8:1-13 NIV
Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being.
3 Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. 4 If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. 5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” 6 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.
7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found fault with the people and said:
“The days are coming, declares the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel
and with the people of Judah.
9 It will not be like the covenant
I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they did not remain faithful to my covenant,
and I turned away from them,
declares the Lord.
10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel
after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
11 No longer will they teach their neighbor,
or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
12 For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.”
13 By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.
Discussion
Sermon/Teaching Summary
- Shadows to Reality – Jesus’ PRESENCE
- OT practices were shadows of the real thing yet to come (Jesus).
- Whether the priest or the prophet, the tabernacle or the temple, it was all intended to prepare the way for the Lord and ministry.
- All of creation reflects the glory of God.
- Creation reminds us of Jesus’ ever-present presences and works in our lives.
- From the time of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, His presence has never left us.
- Do you see Him?
- Do you see Him?
- OT practices were shadows of the real thing yet to come (Jesus).
- Outside to Inside – Jesus’ POWER
- The old covenant addressed the actions and behaviors of God’s people but could not change their hearts.
- In the new covenant, God promises to transform His people’s hearts so that there is an internal drive towards love and obedience.
- From laws and commandments to love and passion, for the Lord.
- Through Jesus not only are peoples interaction with God transformed, but the way they relate to Him is also transformed.
- People no longer solely rely on God’s word and God’s leaders for guidance through life. People now rely on God Himself (Jesus), and turn to His word and the church as a means of experiencing Him.
- True transformation comes as a result of the inner workings and power of God’s spirit (Holy Spirit).
- Are you accessing His power, or living by your own flesh?
- Are you accessing His power, or living by your own flesh?
- The old covenant addressed the actions and behaviors of God’s people but could not change their hearts.
- Forgiveness to Newness – Jesus’ PRIORITY
- In the OT people sought forgiveness through the guidelines laid out in law, which was practiced daily.
- Through the gospel of Jesus, people are forgiven of their sins once and for all (past, present, future).
- During the old covenant people sought rules and rituals.
- In new covenant people seek God (Jesus).
- Through Jesus and Jesus alone can we be saved!
- Through Jesus all is forgiven, lives are made new, and we experience new life under a new covenant of grace!
- In the OT people sought forgiveness through the guidelines laid out in law, which was practiced daily.
Main Reflection & Response:
- How have you witnessed Jesus’ presence in your life and how has that transformed your relationship with him?
- Does Jesus bring you hope? What are you currently hoping for in Jesus’ name?
- Share a time you’ve felt God’s forgiveness.
Additional Questions:
- Are you currently experience Jesus’ presences?
- Is there something you’re currently seeking forgiveness from?
Witness
- Grad transition:
- Today: June is approaching, pray for our grads as they prepare for the transition post graduation.
- Bible Reading:
- This year, we will be going through a 2 year bible reading plan together. Access to plan at gcgcny.link/readbible. Use this to share regularly in your cell about what you’re hearing from God.
- The Good Friday event this year will be held on April 18th 3-5pm.
- More details to come via Sunday announcements
- Prayer and Outreach
- New Outreach Chat to invite others along when you are looking to do something with friends
- Establish prayer partners