Three Essential Questions
After watching the message take some time reflect on the following three questions.
- What did you hear?What point in this message was most impactful for you?
- What do you think?How did this message challenge, change, or affirm your thinking?
- What will you do?How will you put into practice what you've learned today?
ACTION PLAN:If you are not in a small group,visitsaddleback.com/onlinegroupsto get connected!
"You might have to suffer even when it is unfair, but if you think of God and stand in the pain, God is pleased. . . Remember, Christ suffered FOR YOU and gave us AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW. So you should do as he did." 1 Peter 2:19+21
"That Sunday evening, the disciples were huddled together in a home, with the doors locked for fear of the authorities. Suddenly Jesus appeared standing there among them. They were frightened so Jesus said, "Peace be with you!" Then he showed them the nail scars in his hands and where he'd been pierced in his side. At that point everything changed. The disciples were overwhelmed with joy when they realized that it really was the Lord!" John 20:19-20
ON FRIDAY: DAYS OF FEAR & PAIN
1. I NEED TO REACH OUT to friends
"Jesus took his disciples with him to Gethsemane and said, 'Stay here with me while I pray.' Then he took Peter, James, and John a little further. He was filled with anguish and deep distress, and he said to them, 'My heart is so overwhelmed and crushed with sorrow that I feel like I'm dying. Just sit here and watch with me.' Then Jesus took a few more steps, fell to the ground and prayed. . ." Matthew 26:36-39
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2
2. I NEED TO REACH OUT TO GOD
"Jesus fell face down on the ground and prayed that if possible, he would not have to suffer the pain ahead of him. He prayed, "Abba! Father! I know you can do all things. And I don't want to have to drink this cup of suffering. Nevertheless, I want your will, not mine, to be done."Mark 14:35-36
3 things to pray
• Affirm God's power: I know you can do anything!
• Express your desire: I don't want this pain!
• Offer your trust: I want your will, not mine
"Since Jesus went through suffering and temptation, he knows what it is like when we suffer and are tempted, and he is able to help us." Hebrews 2:18
ACTION PLAN:In the garden of Gethsemane we see Jesus' emotions on full display. Pause right now and pray. Tell God how you actually feel. As you pray, know that God is with you and not afraid or surprised by your emotions.
In light of Hebrews 2:18, write down or tell a friend what it means to you that Jesus knows what it is like to be tempted, and that He is able to help us.
ON SATURDAY: DAYS OF CONFUSION & GRIEF
"Then Jesus told them, 'Before the night's over, you're going to fall to pieces because of what happens to me.'"Matthew 26:31 (Mes)
"At that point, all the disciples abandoned Jesus and ran away." Matthew 26:56
3. I NEED TO REMEMBER THE promises OF GOD
Jesus said, "Here's what's going to happen: Soon I'll be gone and you'll be without me, but after a while, you'll see me again. . . You will weep and mourn and grieve. . . but your grief will eventually turn into joy. It will be like a woman going through labor pains. When her child is finally born, her anguish turns to joy because the new life wipes out the memory of the pain. In the same way, you'll go through sorrow now, but I'll be back and you will rejoice; and no one will be able to rob you of that joy!" John 16:16, 20-22
"For ALL the promises of God find their 'Yes' in Jesus Christ!" 2 Corinthians 1:20
"When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you! For I am the Lord, your God and Savior!" Isaiah 43:2-3
God promises, "To all who mourn, I will restore beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, and praise instead of despair." Isaiah 61:3
ACTION PLAN:Many of us are overwhelmed with unknown state of our future. With this uncertainty, one of the best things we can do is grab hold of God's promises. Take time this week to memorize Isaiah 43:2-3 and Isaiah 61:3.
ON SUNDAY: DAYS OF FREEDOM & JOY
4. I NEED TO RELY ON THE POWER OF JESUS
Jesus said, "I AM the resurrection and the life! Whoever believes in me, even though they die, will live again. I give them eternal life for believing in me and they will never perish!" John 11:25-26
"I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great his power is to help those who believe him. It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead. . ." Ephesians 1:19-20
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
ACTION PLAN:Take the following steps this week.
- Decision?Text NEWSTART (1 word) to 83000 or emailnewstart@saddleback.com
- Give Online? Go to Saddleback.com/give
- Group? Text SMALLGROUP (1 word) to 83000 or emailSaddleback.com/onlinegroups
- For prayer: Text PRAYER to 83000 or emailprayer@saddleback.com
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