Prayer
Because the primary goal of our time together is to establish relationships and learn how to walk with one another in all that God has called us to be and do, we’d like to begin by praying for one another. So, does anyone have anything you’d like us to pray for or anything to share regarding how you’ve seen God moving in your life that we can celebrate together?
Opening Question
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”– John 20:19-23
What have you been praying for most lately?
Sending
In the sermon, we heard about the priesthood of the believers, and how God sends everyone who has received his peace.
Do you generally think of yourself as “sent” by God on mission in the world?
How would/does seeing yourself as a kind of missionary or ambassador bringing God’s peace and salvation to others impact your relationships and daily interactions?
Shalom
When Jesus said “peace be upon you”, “peace” is the Greek word eiréné, meaning:
- A state of tranquility, an exemption from the rage and havoc of war
- Peace between individuals
- Security, safety, prosperity
- The way to salvation
Which of these descriptors of the peace God offers us stands out to you most as something you need personally?
Which of these stands out to you most as something the world at large needs currently?
How can you help create a greater measure of eiréné in the world?
Spirit
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
– Acts 1:8
What are some examples of Spirit-empowered ministry by the early Christians in the New Testament
Have you ever experienced or witnessed Spirit-empowered ministry, such as prophecy, words of knowledge, physical healing, or another miracle of some kind?
How does being empowered by the Holy Spirit help us accomplish the mission of God in the world?
Scars
Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
– John 20:19-20
In the message we heard about the value of vulnerability and these three truths about scars:
- True Christians have scars.
- True Christians lead with their scars
- A Christian’s scars aren’t the end, but the beginning.
How did Jesus model these three truths by showing the disciples his scars?
Has anyone close to you been willing to share their scars with you? How has this affected the way you approach your own vulnerability?
How can embracing vulnerability help us reach others with the hope of the gospel?
Closing Thought
In your final time together, pray for God to pour out his Spirit in our city and nation, and to send us to share his peace and hope with the people in our lives.