4-5-2026: And I hope

Sermon Title: And I Hope 

Scripture Reading: Luke 24:1-12; 1 Peter 1:3-7; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 

Sermon Focus: Peter drew his sword and Jesus told him to stop. Shortly after that, when questioned, Peter denied Christ three times and ran. Therefore, Peter was not there when Jesus died—he was crying and hiding in shame. And yet, when the women reported that Jesus had risen, Peter ran to the tomb! Peter shows us that we can always begin again. We can add an “and” when we think our stories have come to an end. It’s Easter Sunday! Listen as Pastor David invites us to ask, “Could it really be true?” 

Thank you for going deeper in conversation with your small group. Use the following questions to help guide your small group discussion:  

1. Begin by reading Luke 24:1-12 to yourself silently, giving everyone a few minutes to read and reflect. After that, have someone read the passage aloud. How does this story encourage you? Also, how does it challenge you? 

2. Peter moved from boldness (drawing his sword) to fear (denying Jesus) in a very short time. Why do you think that shift happened so quickly?  

3. Like Peter, when have you experienced a gap between who you thought you were and how you actually responded in a difficult moment? 

4. After denying Jesus, Peter ran and hid in shame—but when he heard the resurrection news, he ran toward the tomb. What changed? What do you think gave Peter the courage to move toward Jesus again? Can you relate to Peter? 

5. Pastor David said that we can add an “and” when we think our story has come to an end. What is a place in your life where you’ve felt like the story was over? What might it look like to believe that God is still writing your story? 

6. Take some time to talk about these 3 points from the sermon. Which of these truths feel especially relevant and meaningful to you right now?   1. Jesus is truly the Messiah—the Lord and Savior.   The gospel is true and he is worthy of our worship.  2. Jesus is alive, reigning, and ruling from heaven.  We have a living hope despite our current sufferings.   3. Jesus will return and bring God’s good future.   We have nothing to fear and everything to gain. 

7. LIFE ON MISSION QUESTION: How is the Spirit inviting you to remind other people in your life that Jesus is alive and offers new beginnings? Is there a family member, a friend, co-worker, or neighbor that needs to hear this from you? 

After your discussion, close your time in prayer for one another.