Table Talk | Mar. 30-31
I hope this message finds you well and that you’ve had time to reflect on this weekend’s Easter sermon. It was a powerful reminder of the central place the resurrection holds in our faith and how it calls us to a life of transformation and hope.
Here are a few key takeaways from the sermon:
- To experience resurrection, we must confront the fear of death and be willing to die to ourselves, embracing a journey of self-surrender to truly follow Jesus (Matthew 28; Hebrews 2:14).
- The resurrection of Jesus was a disruptive truth that faced opposition and disbelief, yet it stands as the foundation of our faith and the source of eternal hope (Acts 17, 26).
- Our decision to follow Jesus is significant, symbolized through baptism, which marks an outward expression of an inward change, as we commit to living a life aligned with His teachings and the promise of resurrection.
Let’s carry these truths with us as we continue to walk in faith, knowing that the resurrection is not only a historical event but an ongoing call to live in the hope and assurance of what Jesus accomplished.
May we be encouraged to share the ‘dangerous truth’ of the resurrection with boldness and love, aware of the eternal implications it has for our lives and the lives of those around us.
Discussion Questions:
1. Reflecting on the concept that resurrection necessitates death, how does this truth challenge your understanding of sacrifice and surrender in your own faith journey? (Matthew 16:24-26)
2. How does the Apostle Paul’s transformation from persecutor to proclaimer of the Gospel inspire you to consider the power of a personal encounter with Jesus? (Acts 9:1-19)
3. In light of the skepticism and hostility that Paul faced when preaching about the resurrection, how can we find the courage to share our faith in environments that may seem hostile or indifferent to the message of Christ? (1 Corinthians 1:18-31)
4. Considering 1 Peter’s message of hope, how does the promise of eternal life impact your perspective on the temporary trials we face on Earth? (1 Peter 1:3-9)
5. Discuss the role of baptism as an outward expression of inward change. Why is this public declaration significant in the life of a believer? (Romans 6:3-4)
6. How does the idea of living as sojourners or exiles on Earth, with a focus on eternity, influence your daily decisions and interactions? (Hebrews 11:13-16)
7. What does it mean to you to embrace the ‘dangerous truth’ of the resurrection? How can this acknowledgment disrupt your current way of life and the hopes you cling to? (Philippians 3:7-11)
8. As we are called to die to ourselves and our desires, what practical steps can we take to ensure that we are living a life that truly follows Jesus? (Luke 9:23-24)
9. In what ways does the assurance of the resurrection provide comfort and hope to you, especially during times of loss or uncertainty? (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
10. Reflect on a time when you may have felt like sharing your faith was ‘dangerous’ or unwelcome. How did you handle that situation, and what can we learn from the examples of early Christians who faced similar challenges? (Acts 4:18-20)