Sermon Discussion Questions 18/5/25

this sermon can be found at the 16:05 mark here: Sunday 18th May, 2025 - 5th Sunday of Easter - YouTube

Discussion Questions: "Love Wins - The Story of Redemption"

Questions for Reflection and Group Discussion

1. The Narrative Arc: The sermon describes the Bible as having a clear narrative structure with the Fall (beginning), the Cross (middle), and the New Creation (end). How does seeing Scripture as one connected story rather than isolated parts change your understanding of God's plan?

   
   

2. Present Pain: The sermon mentions that "every diagnosis of cancer and every worn out knee, every car crash and house-fire and broken marriage make us groan." How do you personally wrestle with the reality of suffering while holding onto the hope of Revelation 21? Share an experience where this tension felt particularly strong.

   
   

3. The Law of Love: Jesus replaced the complex system of commandments with one new commandment: "Love one another." In what practical ways can we live out this "law of love" in our daily interactions with others? What makes this simple command so challenging to follow consistently?

   
   

4. Talking with Skeptics: The sermon references people who see suffering as evidence that God doesn't exist or doesn't care. How would you compassionately respond to someone who says, "If God is real and loving, why doesn't He do something about pain and injustice?"

   
   

5. "I am making everything new": God promises complete renewal, not just improvement or repair. What area of your life or our world seems most in need of being made "completely new" rather than just slightly better? Why does this distinction matter?

   
   

6. Living in the "Not Yet": We are living between the Cross and the final restoration described in Revelation. How does this "in-between" perspective influence your daily decisions and priorities? What helps you maintain hope during this waiting period?