Your Race Counts: Easter is Your Starting Line
Group Leader Guide
Sermon Recap 🎬
Pastor John Mark emphasizes the significance of Easter, highlighting that every person's life—and how they navigate their race—matters greatly to God, their family, friends, and community. He introduces a new series titled "Your Race Counts," asserting that the empty tomb symbolizes God's love and the assurance of eternal life for believers. He reflects on the testimonies of eyewitnesses, the martyrdom of early Christians, and the swift spread of the gospel, underscoring that the resurrection was not a myth but a pivotal event witnessed by many. Ultimately, he invites listeners to embrace faith in Jesus, reassuring them that accepting Him means they can live free from worry about their spiritual future.
Ice Breaker 🧊
What is your favorite restaurant and why? What makes it so special to you?
Discussion Questions 💬
What does it mean to 'run your race' in life, and how can we relate that to our journey of faith?
Pastor emphasized that each of us has our own race to run, and how we run this race matters to God, our family, and our friends.
Think about a challenge you're currently facing. How can you apply the idea of running your race with perseverance to that situation?
Why is the empty tomb a significant event in Christianity, and how does it affect the way we view our worries or doubts?
Pastor mentioned that the empty tomb represents God's love and the promise of eternal life, giving us nothing to worry about.
Reflect on a time when a worry felt overwhelming. How can the message of the empty tomb help you with the concerns you face today?
In Hebrews 12:1-3, we are encouraged to fix our eyes on Jesus. What do you think this means practically for someone trying to live a Christian life?
Pastor talked about the importance of focusing on Jesus as the perfecter of our faith and how that helps us when the race gets tough.
What are some distractions in your life that might take your focus off Jesus? How can you address those distractions?
The message mentions the importance of witnesses and martyrs who have shared their faith. How can their stories inspire us in our own lives?
Pastor highlighted that many witnesses, including martyrs, demonstrated conviction in their faith, which challenges us to consider the truth of their experiences.
Who is someone in your life whose faith inspires you? What lessons can you learn from their story?
What does it mean for your race in life to 'count' according to God, friends, family, and community, as discussed in the message?
Pastor stated that our lives matter to God and those around us, suggesting we are responsible for how we live our race.
How can you ensure that your actions positively impact those in your life? What steps can you take this week to make a difference?
Prayer 🙏
Ask for any prayer requests from the group.
Pray for the courage to run our races with intent and purpose.
Ask God to help us strengthen our faith and trust in Him.
Seek God’s guidance in supporting one another through challenges.
