Reverb Church
Discussion Guide

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

Pastor Bryan
|
August 30, 2026

Main Idea

The main idea of Pastor Bryan's message was to urge us to deeply reflect on the significance of the cross. He explained that the act of surveying the cross goes beyond a mere glance—it requires us to examine the implications of Jesus' sacrifice for our identities. Our worth is not based on outward appearances or religious performances but on the transformative power of Christ’s love. Pastor Bryan emphasized that, through the cross, we are not just improved versions of ourselves; rather, we are entirely new creations, liberated from pride and false identities. The sermon concluded with a powerful invitation to genuinely trust in Jesus, who offers forgiveness and a fresh start.

Scripture References

Galatians 6:11-15, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Corinthians 1:27-29

How does the cross invite us to identify with Jesus?

When we truly survey the cross, our pretense becomes unnecessary; Jesus accepts us as we are.

In what ways are Christian believers 'new creations'?

Discussion Questions:

How can modern society hinder us from focusing on the truth of the cross?

Does a 'good appearance' contribute to a successful witness?

Have you ever felt the pressure to appear like a 'good Christian' to others or yourself?

Christianity is not about improving performance but about embracing the new identity found in Christ.

Summary

Pastor Bryan guided us through the profound message of Galatians 6, emphasizing the power of the cross. He highlighted how the cross invites us to examine our lives closely, moving beyond superficial appearances. Through the exploration of Isaac Watts' hymn, we learned that Christianity is not about improving ourselves but about being made new through Christ’s sacrifice. We reflected on how the cross exposes our tendencies to pretend and our pride in accomplishments. The sermon challenged us to identify our true worth in Christ rather than in our achievements, ultimately leading to a call for genuine repentance and faith in Jesus. By surveying the cross, we were encouraged to embrace our new identity as creations transformed by His love.

Call to Action

Some next steps to take this week:

Let us not merely glance at the cross, but survey its meaning in our lives.

We are invited to trust in Jesus, turning from our sins and accepting His grace.

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