04-12-2020
Dr. E. Dale Locke and Pastor Efrain Silva
Easter Sermon
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español.
Each week, our Sermon Discussion Questions are here to help the sermon go deeper into your life. You can think these questions through on your own, or discuss them with your spouse, family, or small group.
1. What has been the most difficult aspect of life during this coronavirus pandemic for you?
2. Read Hebrews 12:1b-3: “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
This pandemic is turning out to be more like a marathon than a sprint. The writer of Hebrews says that when you’re in a tough season that requires perseverance, the best way to get through it is to focus on Jesus. So that’s what we’re going to do over the next seven weeks. Our next sermon series will take a look at Jesus through the eyes of Mark, who tells us that Jesus is amazing!
How would you define the word “amazing”?
3. Easter weekend is the most important weekend of the year for Christians. Explain in your own words, why that is.
4. Read John 20:1-10:
“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.”
What observations or questions come to your mind as you read this passage?
5. The New Testament has four Gospels - four separate accounts of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, who lived 2,000 years ago. What is the advantage of having four accounts, rather than just one?
6. Note that John’s account mentions that it was still dark when the Mary went to the tomb, and he seems to imply that this was also a dark time for Mary personally. Share about a dark time in your life, when you really felt a need for some good news.
The best time for good news, is when all the other news is bad.
7. Read Psalm 30:5b: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” What is the Psalmist communicating here?
8. After watching her Lord and friend die the day before, Mary now fears that someone had stolen Jesus’ body (see John 20:2), which felt like bad news on top of bad news. The Christian faith doesn’t eliminate bad news from our lives, but God intends that we help each other in the midst of bad news. What are some ways that you are finding to build others up in these days of bad news?
The resurrection is the best news of all!
9. John admits in verse 9 that he and Peter still didn’t understand that Jesus was going to rise from the dead. Why do you think they didn’t understand, even though Jesus had told them this ahead of time?
10. The word “gospel” means “good news.” Tell about when you first realized that the gospel was good news for you personally.
11. Much of the insignificant stuff of everyday life is being stripped away from us during this time we’re currently experiencing in our world. Name some things that you’re beginning to realize aren’t as important as you previously thought.
12. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 10:14-15: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
What is Paul’s point here?
13. What does it mean to “believe in” Jesus? How does a person do that?
Ready for your next step?
If you would like more information about how to take a next step in your faith journey, such as becoming a follower of Jesus, recommitting your life to him, or getting baptized, text the word “Next” to 561-264-6079 and follow the steps there, and we will contact you.
News and Announcements:
• If you’re new to Community of Hope, text “Hello” to 561-264-6079 to let us know who you are.
• Go to communityofhope.church/coronavirus for updates on how COH is responding to this crisis. This is also the place to let us know if you need help, or if you are available to offer help to others.
• If you’re not in a COH small group, we want to give you an opportunity to get connected with a circle of people, so you can experience community and spiritual encouragement during this time of social distancing. Our hope is that you will build some new friendships and support each other as you discuss our upcoming “Amazed!” sermon series online once a week together. It’s only a 7-week commitment, so it’s a perfect low-risk time to give small groups a try! Sign up at communityofhope.church/groups
• We are so grateful for your financial support, which makes it possible for us to minister to our community! To give to Community of Hope, go to communityofhope.church/give. Thank you for your generosity!