Easter – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea: Real Love requires a response.
Introduction: This week we celebrate Easter and remember God’s great love for us and Jesus’ amazing resurrection. How do we respond to such great love?
Discussion Starter: What is your favorite love story?
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: Matthew 28:1-10, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:15-16
Discussion Questions:
- Read Matthew 28:1-10. Why did the women go to the tomb? How do the women respond to the Good News? What does the angel tell them to do? What does Jesus tell them to do?
- Read Romans 5:8. How do you respond to these verses about God’s love? Do you respond the same way the women did in Matthew 28:8? If not, discuss why not: Is it because of unbelief? Distraction? Disobedience?
- Read 1 John 4:15-16. Take heart! We will not always respond perfectly to God’s love because we are not perfect. But, what hope and peace can we find in these verses?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Matthew 28:1-10 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
Do you feel like your response to God is not good enough? Read Ephesians 2:8-9. What is our salvation based upon? Discuss.
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: One way to respond to God’s love is to love Him back and learn more about Him through His Word. You can join with many Promisors in our Bible reading plan here: https://faithpromise.org/bible-plan.
Engaging in Community and the World: Another way to respond to God’s love is to love the people He has created. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges for many, particularly children in the foster care system. One of our Faith Promise Love Local partners is Isaiah 117 House which provides temporary housing to children awaiting foster care placement. You can support them though prayer, financial donation, or volunteering. Click here to learn more: https://isaiah117house.com/.
Expand God’s Kingdom
The women at the tomb responded with JOY before they left to share the Good News. Take some time this week to think about what God has done for you and ask Him to help you experience the joy of your salvation today and every day. That joy is the spark that makes you a Lamplighter to light the way for others.
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
