Reading Plan for the Week:
Monday, April 13 Matthew 27:51-54, Exodus 26:31-35
Tuesday, April 14 John 5:19-24, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Wednesday, April 15 Mark 2:1-12
Thursday, April 16 Matthew 27:62-66, Matthew 28:11-15
Friday, April 17 Matthew 28:1-10, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
Saturday, April 18 Matthew 28:16-20, Ezekiel 34:20-24
Sunday, April 19 Matthew 27:51-54
Sermon Discussion Questions
The Bad News
- When does water from a muddy, giardia-infested lake taste so much better than a bottle of ice-cold Evian in the fridge? What does this muddy water do to satisfy that Evian could never do? When in desperation, we’re willing to do some pretty outrageous things. Describe a decision you made under desperate conditions that you would have never made under normal conditions. What had to take place before you were willing to leave "sane land"? What is it about desperation that makes good news so good?
- In Deuteronomy 29:29 it says, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” What are some questions you wish God would reveal now that he hasn’t yet answered? Why do you think these answers are still hidden?
- Why does God often use desperate situations to draw us to himself? Would it be hard to love or trust a God who purposefully causes painful circumstances to get our attention? Why or why not? Is there a line in the sand as to what you’re willing to accept what a loving God would or would not do? Explain your answer.
The Good News
- The resurrection gives hope in a world that was never meant to be enough.
- Finish this sentence: "Before I die, I want to have…." Why does depression often follow the accomplishment of an incredible life’s goal? Why is this question in the good news section rather than the bad news section?
- John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Just what is “life abundantly” and how do I know if I have it? Is John speaking of material wealth? Why or why not?
- The resurrection defeats death and shatters the boundaries of time.
- Jesus completes the ‘once for all’ sacrifice by shedding his blood on the cross, which forever seals the victory over our own brokenness. What are some ways we try to pull ourselves out of brokenness? Many often try religion only to leave it behind and become even more confused. Why is this? Religion doesn’t save. Jesus does! Why do these two often get confused? What is the difference between a religion and a relationship with Christ? How do I determine which one I’m following?
- In Luke 4:18, he quotes from Isiah 61 and writes “He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives.” One could say, “I certainly don’t feel captive. In fact, I’m quite liberated right now. Why would I need Jesus to set me free when I already feel free?” How would you answer this?
- The resurrection proclaims the only way to life, and Jesus Christ offers it.
- Don’t other religions also proclaim that they have the only way? Who’s right and how do we know? (See Resource 1 below.)
- I want to be set free. How do I find the only way to salvation? Romans 10:9-13“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
- If someone wants to know this good news, how would you share it with them? (See resource 2 below.)
Resources