Hope Christian Church
Message notes (2)
Sermon notes 4-13-25
Locations & Times
Hope Christian Church
9273 Coach Stop Rd, Columbia, IL 62236, USA
Sunday 7:00 AM
Palm Sunday Life Group Discussion Questions
Psalm Sunday Sermon 4/13/25
Butch Hunter
Icebreaker Question
"Have you ever been asked to do something unexpected or unusual, and you just went along with it without much questioning? What happened as a result, and how did you feel afterward? Or if you decided not to go along with it, what was that experience like?"
1. Obedience Without Full Understanding
Question: The disciples followed Jesus' instructions to get the donkey without knowing the full picture. When have you felt God asking you to step out in faith before you fully understood His plan? What helped you decide to obey (or not)?
Supporting Scripture: "At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection did they realize that these things had been written about him." (John 12:16)
Main Passage: Matthew 21:1-3 "Go into the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me."
2. Recognizing God's Presence
Question: The sermon used a magnifying glass to illustrate how we need to look closely to see God working. What "small wins" or seemingly minor moments have you experienced recently that might actually be sacred glimpses of God at work?
Supporting Scripture: "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
Main Passage Connection: Like the crowd that missed seeing Jesus for who He truly was, we often miss seeing His hand in our daily lives.
3. Expectations vs. Reality
Question: The crowd welcomed Jesus but later turned against Him when He didn't meet their expectations. How have your expectations of God sometimes differed from the reality of how He works? How did you respond?
Supporting Scripture: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. (Isaiah 55:8)
Main Passage Connection: "They wanted a political liberator, someone who would overthrow Roman oppression...but as Jesus made it increasingly clear that His mission wasn't political at all, their cheers transformed into anger."
4. Pride and Control
Question: The Pharisees rejected Jesus because acknowledging Him meant surrendering their authority. What areas of your life are you holding onto with a "clenched fist" that God might be asking you to surrender?
Supporting Scripture: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." (James 4:6)
Main Passage Connection: "The Pharisees didn't reject Jesus because of ignorance—they rejected Him because they didn't want to relinquish their authority."
5. Authentic Praise Response
Question: The sermon asks, "Where is Jesus showing up in my life today? Am I seeing Him?" What habits might help us better recognize Jesus' presence in our everyday lives and respond with genuine praise?
Supporting Scripture: "I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds." (Psalm 9:1)
Main Passage Connection: "These moments aren't just random coincidences, they're sacred glimpses of the Savior standing right in front of us... Are we recognizing Jesus as He moves in our lives?"
Psalm Sunday Sermon 4/13/25
Butch Hunter
Icebreaker Question
"Have you ever been asked to do something unexpected or unusual, and you just went along with it without much questioning? What happened as a result, and how did you feel afterward? Or if you decided not to go along with it, what was that experience like?"
1. Obedience Without Full Understanding
Question: The disciples followed Jesus' instructions to get the donkey without knowing the full picture. When have you felt God asking you to step out in faith before you fully understood His plan? What helped you decide to obey (or not)?
Supporting Scripture: "At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection did they realize that these things had been written about him." (John 12:16)
Main Passage: Matthew 21:1-3 "Go into the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me."
2. Recognizing God's Presence
Question: The sermon used a magnifying glass to illustrate how we need to look closely to see God working. What "small wins" or seemingly minor moments have you experienced recently that might actually be sacred glimpses of God at work?
Supporting Scripture: "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
Main Passage Connection: Like the crowd that missed seeing Jesus for who He truly was, we often miss seeing His hand in our daily lives.
3. Expectations vs. Reality
Question: The crowd welcomed Jesus but later turned against Him when He didn't meet their expectations. How have your expectations of God sometimes differed from the reality of how He works? How did you respond?
Supporting Scripture: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. (Isaiah 55:8)
Main Passage Connection: "They wanted a political liberator, someone who would overthrow Roman oppression...but as Jesus made it increasingly clear that His mission wasn't political at all, their cheers transformed into anger."
4. Pride and Control
Question: The Pharisees rejected Jesus because acknowledging Him meant surrendering their authority. What areas of your life are you holding onto with a "clenched fist" that God might be asking you to surrender?
Supporting Scripture: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." (James 4:6)
Main Passage Connection: "The Pharisees didn't reject Jesus because of ignorance—they rejected Him because they didn't want to relinquish their authority."
5. Authentic Praise Response
Question: The sermon asks, "Where is Jesus showing up in my life today? Am I seeing Him?" What habits might help us better recognize Jesus' presence in our everyday lives and respond with genuine praise?
Supporting Scripture: "I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds." (Psalm 9:1)
Main Passage Connection: "These moments aren't just random coincidences, they're sacred glimpses of the Savior standing right in front of us... Are we recognizing Jesus as He moves in our lives?"