Hope Christian Church
Message Notes
Sermon Notes 3-23-25
Locations & Times
Hope Christian Church
9273 Coach Stop Rd, Columbia, IL 62236, USA
Sunday 8:00 AM
Series: Changed by the Cross
"What if the greatest transformation of your life was hidden in an event you’ve heard about all your life, but never truly understood? The cross – could it really change everything about who you are, and who you’re meant to be? Let’s take a deeper look, because the answer might surprise you."
"What if the greatest transformation of your life was hidden in an event you’ve heard about all your life, but never truly understood? The cross – could it really change everything about who you are, and who you’re meant to be? Let’s take a deeper look, because the answer might surprise you."
Lyrics to Thank You Jesus for the Blood
I was a wretch, I remember who I was
I was lost, I was blind, I was running out of time
Sin separated, the breach was far too wide
But from the far side of the chasm You had me in Your sight
So You made a way across the great divide
Left behind Heaven's throne to build it here inside
And there at the cross, You paid the debt I owed
Broke my chains, freed my soul
For the first time I had hope
I was a wretch, I remember who I was
I was lost, I was blind, I was running out of time
Sin separated, the breach was far too wide
But from the far side of the chasm You had me in Your sight
So You made a way across the great divide
Left behind Heaven's throne to build it here inside
And there at the cross, You paid the debt I owed
Broke my chains, freed my soul
For the first time I had hope
Life Group Questions for 3-23-25
OPEN:
What was a high or a low of this past week?
DIG:
1. How have you personally seen the power of the cross in your life or in the lives of others?
2. What do you think the disciples may have been feeling when they saw Jesus on the cross?
3. Have you ever felt disillusioned or confused about Jesus' role in your life? If so, in what way?
4. The disciples were expecting a political Messiah, but Jesus had a different mission. How might our own expectations of Jesus influence our relationship with Him today?
5. Shane told a story about the woman who made a commitment to Christ and then felt disappointed after her daughter’s pregnancy. How do we reconcile unmet expectations with a faith that still trusts Jesus?
6. Why do you think the cross, which was originally an emblem of suffering and shame, became a symbol of endurance and love? How does this change our perspective on suffering?
7. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the evil or brokenness in the world? How does the message of the cross encourage you to respond in the face it?
8. Jesus died in our place "without a single question asked." How does this sacrificial love impact the way you live and relate to others?
REFLECT:
What changes would you like to see in your heart or life as you reflect more deeply on the power of the cross and what it means for your faith?
PRAY
OPEN:
What was a high or a low of this past week?
DIG:
1. How have you personally seen the power of the cross in your life or in the lives of others?
2. What do you think the disciples may have been feeling when they saw Jesus on the cross?
3. Have you ever felt disillusioned or confused about Jesus' role in your life? If so, in what way?
4. The disciples were expecting a political Messiah, but Jesus had a different mission. How might our own expectations of Jesus influence our relationship with Him today?
5. Shane told a story about the woman who made a commitment to Christ and then felt disappointed after her daughter’s pregnancy. How do we reconcile unmet expectations with a faith that still trusts Jesus?
6. Why do you think the cross, which was originally an emblem of suffering and shame, became a symbol of endurance and love? How does this change our perspective on suffering?
7. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the evil or brokenness in the world? How does the message of the cross encourage you to respond in the face it?
8. Jesus died in our place "without a single question asked." How does this sacrificial love impact the way you live and relate to others?
REFLECT:
What changes would you like to see in your heart or life as you reflect more deeply on the power of the cross and what it means for your faith?
PRAY