Life Group Questions - April 5th

Ice Breaker: Share about something "new" in your life recently - a new car, new home, new job, new perspective, or new habit. What made that newness exciting or refreshing?


Discussion Questions:
Understanding the Message
  1. Pastor Rino explained that the Greek word "exalifo" means both "to wipe away" and contains the root word for "to anoint." How does this dual meaning help you understand what Jesus did on the cross?
  2. Read Colossians 2:13-15. What does it mean that Jesus "made a public display" of the rulers and authorities? Why would all of hell celebrate Jesus' death but be in trouble when the stone rolled away?
  3. The sermon mentioned that "Jesus plus nothing equals everything." What does this statement mean to you? How does it challenge common religious thinking?

Personal Reflection:
  1. What "50-pound bags" of guilt, shame, or past sin have you become accustomed to carrying that Jesus wants to wipe away? Why is it sometimes hard to let go of baggage Jesus has already dealt with?
  2. Pastor Rino shared about calling his three daughters to repent after the Holy Spirit convicted him. Is there someone in your life - family, friend, coworker - that the Holy Spirit is prompting you to reconcile with or apologize to?
  3. Read Galatians 2:20. Paul says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." What does it practically look like for you to "die to self" daily? What specific areas of your life need this surrender?

Going Deeper
  1. Pastor Rino said many Christians give God "a quarter of the way, a half of the way, a little bit of the way" but God wants all of us. What areas of your life are you still holding back from God? What fears or concerns keep you from full surrender?
  2. Ephesians 1:19-20 talks about "the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe." Why do you think many Christians don't experience this resurrection power in their daily lives? What would change if we truly believed this power was available to us?
  3. The sermon challenged us to stop being "good religious people" and instead bear real fruit. What's the difference between religious activity and authentic relationship with Jesus? How can you tell which one characterizes your life?

Closing Reflection: Pastor Rino ended with a powerful reminder: "What you have right now is today. Use it for His glory."
Final Questions:
  • How will you live differently this week because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross?
  • What does using today for God's glory look like in your specific circumstances?