Ben Phebus // Rockford Campus // April 27, 2025
SMALL GROUP
DISCUSSION GUIDE
THIS WEEK’S KEY PASSAGE: Luke 24:36–53
REMINDERS
Leader Appreciation Gathering
Each year in May we want to slow down and take time to connect and celebrate our group leaders. Please join us for our annual Leader Appreciation Dinner on May 7, 6-8pm at The Barn (5330 Kies Rd, Rockford, MI 49341). We’ll enjoy a great meal, good conversation, and pray for and with one another. It’s always a good time shared with great people!
Questions? Reach out to Kim at [email protected]
Summer is Coming!
Summer events are on the way! Stay in the know by keeping an eye on our events page.
TOGETHER IN LIFE
In the sermon, Ben talked about videos on social media that show troops returning home to surprise family members. Do you have a soft spot for a certain kind of social media content, or something you saw recently that was uplifting?
TOGETHER IN THE WORD
THIS WEEK’S KEY PASSAGE: Luke 24:36–53
Note: If you are meeting as a group, we encourage you to read the text together out loud.
KEY QUESTION:
- Have you put your hope in something that can bear the weight?
GOING DEEPER:
Facing Disillusionment
We all want to be happy, but when we put our hope in something that falls short, we experience disillusionment. The disciples felt this from the time Jesus died on the cross until they saw Him alive again. They had worried that they had put their hope in the wrong man, and left everything for nothing.
QUESTIONS
- What is something you put your hopes in as a child. How did it pan out?
- What are some bigger things we are tempted to put our hopes in now?
- Have you ever experienced disillusionment? What triggered it? What was that like?
Finding Hope in the Resurrection
Everything hinges on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. If He was not raised, then we have no hope, no forgiveness, no purpose, no meaning, no significance, and no security. But because Jesus rose to life again, we know that He is who He said, that we have salvation in Him, and that He will return to finish the work He began.
QUESTIONS
- When you think about the things that we would lose if there was no resurrection, what stands out to you most? What are you most grateful for?
- Have you ever wrestled with the historicity (truthfulness) of the Resurrection? How did that get resolved?
- Ben said that the Resurrection addresses pain, death, suffering, and longing. Are you able to keep these things in perspective because of the Resurrection? What helps you make the connection?
Living in Joy
Our response to the Resurrection may not require dramatic sacrifices or adventures. Instead, 1 Thessalonians 4:11 & 12 reminds us that God more often calls us to a new character, heart, priorities, and passions in the life that He has already given us. When we place our hope in Jesus and not in our spouse, kids, career, possessions, or anything else, we find lasting joy, and we live as ambassadors for Him.
QUESTIONS
- What do you find most challenging about living a quiet life for Jesus?
- What is one change you have seen in your life as a result of God’s work in you?
- How are you doing at living in the joy of the Resurrection right now?
TOGETHER IN ACTION
This week, we were invited to joy: cultivating worship and gratitude, casting our cares on Jesus, and resting in His promises. Take time each day this week to pursue joy in these ways.
TOGETHER IN PRAYER
Pray for one another that you would experience the abiding joy that comes from putting your hope in the One who never fails.
