1. Understand the ________________________.

2. See the cross ___________________.

3. See death, yours and loved ones, ________________________.

4. Live dependent _________________________________.

Home Group/Study Questions
These questions are provided for your further study and application of today’s sermon. Thoughtfully writing out the answers to these questions will help to drive home the truths we are learning.

1. Was there any passage of scripture or statement in the message today that was particularly meaningful or applicable to you?

2. Read Mark 10:45 and John 10:17-18. What are some of the dangers of celebrating Christmas with only a view to Christ’s birth and not his death?

3. Why do you think many in our culture will celebrate the birth of Christ but ignore the reason for his coming? What does a view of the cross require that a simplistic view of the manger does not?

4. Read Psalm 39:4-6, Psalm 90:10-12, and James 4:14. Why is it healthy and good for us to periodically take an honest look at our own mortality and impermanence?

5. Read the account of Jesus raising Lazarus in John 11. What stands out in your reading of this demonstration of Christ’s authority over death and his call to trust him in the face of death?

6. Read Philippians 1:20-24. Can you say that because of your current relationship with Christ your attitude toward death is as fearless and confident as the Apostle Paul’s in this passage? If not, why? If so, when did that begin?