We are currently going through a sermon series in the Gospel of Matthew. Today, however, we are pushing pause on going through Matthew, and are celebrating Easter! We will be talking about John 20:19-31 in the message today.

Today, we’re looking at a part of God’s Word that talks about what happened after Jesus died on the cross, and rose from the grave 3 days later. Jesus appears to His disciples and teaches them about the new life that He has for them. By taking a look at this part of God’s Word, we learn that:

Jesus pursues us, and offers us a life that is:


1. Peaceful
John 20:19, Phil. 4:6, 1 Pet. 5:6-7, Matt. 6:25-33, Ps. 55:22
2. Purposeful
Eph. 2:10, 2 Tim. 3:16-17, 2 Cor. 9:8, Col. 1:9-10, Matt. 28:19-20
3. Blessed
Gen. 1:28, Jer. 17:7, Ps. 1:1-3, 32:2, 37:3-5, James 1:12-13

In order to accept this life, we must repent of our sins, accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and allow Him to completely transform us.

Getting Started
- Take some time to read over John 20:19-31 and pray.
- Have you ever read or heard about this before? What stood out to you as we were talking about it?
- What do you think Christians most commonly get wrong about the life God wants them to be experiencing?
- As you heard this passage of God’s Word being taught, what misconceptions came to mind that you’ve struggled with previously when it comes to understanding what life in Christ looks like?


Diving In
Read John 20:19-20 again. What stands out when you read over these couple of verses?
- Does Jesus’ greeting to the disciples surprise you? Why or why not?
- How does Jesus’ greeting to His disciples give us insight into His love and care that He has for us?
- Have you ever struggled with thinking that God doesn’t like you, or that you have to win over God’s affection? Where does that come from?

Read John 20:21-23 again. Clearly Jesus has a purpose for these disciples to fulfill. How clear are you on the purpose(s) that God has you here for?
-Do you have, or have you ever had, anything specific that you feel God called you to? If so, what is it?
-How do you think it would change your life if you had a more clear understanding of God’s purpose for your life?
- Spend some time in prayer about God’s purpose for your life, either asking Him to clarify it for you, or asking Him for help to better accomplish the purpose(s) that He has for you. Write down anything you feel like God is leading you towards, and be sure to share it with a mature, Godly Christian around you.

Read John 20:24-28 again. How does Jesus’ interaction with Thomas help you in your faith?
- How well can you relate to Thomas in this passage of Scripture?
- Have you ever dealt with doubt in your life? If so, how?
- How can you help those around you dealing with doubt?

Read John 20:29-31 again. The life that God wants for us comes out of repenting of our sins, believing that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. Out of this life, we are blessed, as verse 29 makes clear. What do many Christians get wrong about God’s blessing?
- Where are you in your relationship with Christ, and what has He been putting on your heart as your next step with Him in order to grow in your relationship with Him?
- How can you help those around you in their relationship with Christ?
Applying the Scripture
What are your biggest takeaways from this passage of God’s Word?
- What practical step(s) do you need to implement in your life to apply what God has taught you in this passage of Scripture?
- How would applying this affect your life and your relationship with the Lord?
- Who can you ask to keep you accountable to applying this to your life?

CHURCH FAMILY NEEDS: Pray for the Ewing family; Jason unexpectedly passed away recently. Pray for Jerry Jamrozy, who has bone cancer.

MISSIONARIES: This month pray for Janyne Johnston.


FAMILY OF THE WEEK: Each week we’ll pray for a different family in our church. This week pray for the Fishers.

HILLSIDE HAPPENINGS: Pray that the church would continue to stay unified under Christ. Pray for our livestream and for the people joining us there. Pray for Casa Del Alfarero, the Spanish-speaking Missionary Church 5 minutes from our building.

CURRENT HAPPENINGS: Pray for the war in Israel. Pray for the war in Ukraine.

Attendance
In-person on 3/24/24: 58
Online views (through 3/28): 5

Giving
Online: (3/18/24-3/24/24): $105
In-Person on 3/24/24: $1204 for general, $60 for missions
Total general needed weekly to meet budget: $1623

This is a great time to join a small group! Joining a small group is a great way to grow in your faith. There is a small group that meets on Sunday mornings, at 9:30am, and men’s and women’s groups that meet every other Tuesday evening. For more information, please see Pastor Josh.

We are currently working on replacing our road sign, and saving up for a new roof. We are also trying to put a small group meeting area together. Would you prayerfully consider partnering with us financially to make these things happen? For more information, please talk to Pastor Josh.

We will be having a baptism in the service today. Have you accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, yet haven’t gotten baptized? We believe baptism is an outward expression of what God has done in your heart. If you would like to get baptized in the future, please talk to Pastor Josh.

If you do not receive our weekly emails, announcements, and prayer requests, please join our email list! You can do so by going to hmcworship.com/im-new

TECH: Our worship team is looking for someone who would like to run sound and/or slides. Please see Pastor Josh.

WORSHIP TEAM: Would you like to help out on the worship team? Please see Carolyn Dodd for details.

PRAYER GUIDE: Will you be in prayer for Hillside? Prayer guides are available at the welcome counter. Also, if you would like to be a prayer advocate, please see Pastor Josh.

MAINTENANCE TEAM: Would you like to help out on the maintenance team? We need help inside and outside the building. Please see Jeff Soule for details.