Today’s Bulletin
OUTLINE
JOhn 20:19-23
19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
FEARLFUL TO FEARLESS: JOHN 20:19-23
Ice Breaker: What's one unexpected thing about you that people might not guess by looking at you? Or what is the nerdiest thing about you? (history, skill, interest, etc)
Weekly Questions
1. Where do you feel most tempted to “lock the doors” in fear like the disciples in John 20:19?
• Is it in parenting? Speaking up at work? Sharing your faith?
• Read: John 20:19–20. What changed the disciples from fear to joy?
2. “They had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). What would it look like for you to spend intentional time with Jesus this week—and how might that grow your courage?
• Read: Acts 4:13. How does proximity to Jesus affect our boldness?
3. Where is God calling you to live more boldly in this season of life?
• Think of one practical area: a conversation, a habit to break, or a relationship to pursue for the sake of the gospel.
• Read: Acts 4:29–31. What kind of boldness did the early church ask for?
4. Boldness sometimes looks like quiet faithfulness. Where are you called to live faithfully even if no one notices?
• At home? At work? In your marriage? In forgiving someone?
• Read: Colossians 3:23–24. What motivates faithful obedience in hidden places?
5. Who in your life needs to hear about the hope of the resurrection? What might it look like to start a conversation this week?
• Even just asking them questions about their beliefs can open a door.
• Read: Romans 10:9–15. Why is it necessary that we speak?
6. How does knowing the apostles—and people like C.S. Lewis, Chuck Colson, Rosaria Butterfield—were once skeptics encourage your own faith or witness?
• What story of transformation has shaped your confidence in the gospel?
7. What would change if you lived like you truly believed Jesus had walked out of the grave?
• In your use of time, money, your voice, your relationships?
• Read: 1 Corinthians 15:58. How does the resurrection inspire steady, courageous action?
Closing Questions
What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?
How can this group pray for you this week?