BOTTOM LINE: Skepticism turns into optimism in the Kingdom.

1. The Kingdom sees obstacles as opportunities.

2. Religion sees obstacles as defeat.

3. Death seems like the loss of all hope through earthly eyes.

4. Resurrection is the bottom line in the Kingdom.

START TALKING

What are you most skeptical about when it comes to every day life? What do you find that you have the most doubts about when you hear a pitch or hear someone talking about something?

Have you ever missed out on an opportunity because you were skeptical about it? Or have you ever almost missed out because you were skeptical, and looking back you are glad you didn't let skepticism win? In either case, what were you most skeptical about?

START THINKING

Read John 11:1-6. What do you think the messengers thought when they heard this? What do you think his disciples were thinking? Especially, what do you think Lazarus's family thought when they heard Jesus wasn't coming? What do you think their skepticism was?

Read John 11:7-16. Can you blame Thomas for saying what he did? What does that say about the difference between seeing through Kingdom eys and earthly eyes?

What do you think Jesus is saying about the light of THIS world, and how does that compare to what he says in John 8:12. How are they different? What do you think he wants them - and us - to realize about the difference between the two?

START SHARING

Read John 16:33 and 1 Peter 4:12-13. How have you experienced these truths or even parts of these truths? What are examples of when you have had "troubles" or "fiery trials" in your life? What did you experience on the other side of those?

When have you struggled the most with skepticism when it comes to your relationship with Jesus and going "all in" with and for him? What are the commands or the promises of Jesus that you struggle the most with trusting Him to follow them? Why is that? What helps you to have optimism instead?

When have you experienced something that seemed "dead" but then saw Jesus resurrect it? In other words, how have you experienced the truth that "Resurrection is the bottom line in the Kingdom"?

START DOING

What can you do this week to see obstacles as opportunities? How can that affect your prayers this week?

What is a story that you can share with someone this week that will show them your own experience with seeing skepticism turn into optimism? Maybe it is a story of something seeming - or being - dead before you really trusted Jesus with it, but once you went "all in" with Jesus you saw it resurrected by Him?

START PRAYING

Pray for each other in the micro church to go all in with Jesus as you completely trust Him, even when it seems that all hope is lost!