Easter: Hope Lives Small Group Discussion Guide
Opening Question:
Share a time when you felt hopeless but later discovered unexpected hope. What changed your perspective?
Key Quotes:
“Hope is most powerful precisely when all evidence points to the contrary.”
“Today we are reminded that the God that we worship is the God of the impossible. Not the God of the improbable. Not the God of the highly unlikely. The God of the impossible.”
“God's love will not be silenced. God's love will never be silenced. God's dream for this world will never yield to the ambitions of small-hearted, self-serving men.?
“The violence, the anger, the hatred of this world, it will not have the last say. They can try their best to silence our hope, but hope, this hope, cannot be killed.”
Discussion Questions:
- The sermon mentions "inattentive blindness." How might this concept apply to our spiritual lives? In what ways do we sometimes miss seeing God at work around us?
- Reflect on the women's journey to Jesus' tomb. How do you think their emotions and expectations changed throughout that morning?
- The disciples initially didn't believe the women's testimony. Why do you think it was difficult for them to accept the news of Jesus' resurrection? How might we struggle with similar doubts today?
- Pastor Josh says, "Hope is most powerful precisely when all evidence points to the contrary." Can you share an experience that illustrates this truth in your own life?
- How does the resurrection of Jesus provide hope in our current global and personal challenges?
- The sermon suggests that God is "stirring something up" in the church worldwide. What signs of renewal or awakening do you see in your own faith community or the broader Church?
Practical Applications
- Hope Journaling: This week, keep a daily journal of "hope sightings" – moments where you notice God's presence or reasons for hope in your life and the world around you.
- Resurrection Meditation: Spend time meditating on a passage about Jesus' resurrection (e.g., Luke 24:1-12). Reflect on how this event impacts your daily life and perspective.
- Overcoming "Inattentive Blindness": Practice mindfulness this week, intentionally looking for signs of God's work in your everyday surroundings.
Closing Prayer
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