Daily Reading Plan

Monday, April 27^th                 Luke 24:13-27
Tuesday, April 28^th                 Luke 24:28-35
Wednesday, April 29^th            Mark 9:14-32
Thursday, April 30^th                Mark 13:1-13
Friday, May 1^st                         Mark 13:14-37
Saturday, May 2^nd                   Job 2:1-10
Sunday, May 3^rd                      Luke 24:13-27

Discussion Questions

Faith and Assurance

1. “Men will give their lives for something they believe to be true; they will never give their lives for something they know to be false.” – Breakpoint: Chuck Colson. This isn’t entirely the case in every situation. People can be deceived (think Jim Jones and Jonestown). What makes the resurrection story different and, for that matter, Christianity as a whole? How can we trust what the Bible says to be true? How can we protect ourselves from being deceived by charismatic leaders such as Jim Jones?
2. Does the empty tomb prove that Jesus is who he says he is? Why or why not?
3. Why is it an important fact that it was two women who announced the resurrection of Jesus and not two men?
4. Predictive prophecy most assuredly authenticates the Bible to be true. What is predictive prophecy and how does it play a role in the story of Jesus?

 The Awakening

1. Romans 1:25, says, “Because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.” Notice the words “exchanged the truth” clearly denoting they once knew the truth. Why would one make such a catastrophic swap, and what can be done about it?
2. Quite arguably, Mary knew Jesus longer than anybody on earth, and yet, her soul was awakened when she encountered the transforming power of Christ. What change took place in Mary in order to be able to see Christ differently?
3. How can it possibly be a hindrance if you grew up in the church, with a knowledge of the Lord from the age of 5, as opposed to being awakened later in life? Does one who doesn’t have a “plucked from the fires of hell” transformation story still have a testimony to share? What would it be? Is it as powerful as a “hellfire and brimstone” testimony? Explain.
4. Is it possible to know Jesus and yet not know Jesus? Read James 2:19 which says, “you believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe – and shudder!” What kind of belief is James speaking of here and how does one know whether one has a saving belief of Jesus?
5. Has the COVID-19 pandemic shaken or strengthened your faith? How is God stirring you in our current crisis? Maybe you aren’t swayed one way or another. Is this a positive characteristic of strong faith or a telling sign that you’re not listening? Why or why not?
6. Do you agree or disagree with the statement, “Truth without experience is unfulfilling”? Is this statement true about the Bible? Explain your position.
7. A ¾ cup brown of sugar, ¾ cup of white sugar, ½ cup of paprika, ¼ cup of garlic powder mixed with 2 tablespoons of black pepper, 2 tablespoons of ground ginger, 2 tablespoons of onion powder and 2 teaspoons Rosemary powder certainly doesn’t taste that great on their own (well, maybe the sugar!). But mix them together, rub them on a pork butt and smoke it for 9-11 hours, and you’ve got flavor beyond understanding that the ingredients separately would never be able to bring. How can the ingredients of the Bible fail to bring satisfaction alone, and yet when put together with Christ bring the life-transforming power of the gospel?

"Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV).

Tags: sermon, matthew, perseverance, endurance, life is hard, roger thompson