Key Takeaways:
-God’s work continues even in the face of tragedy.
-For believers, there is a better life after this one in eternity with God.
-We should hold onto our faith and hope in Christ, not fleeting worldly pleasures.
Discussion Questions:
What stood out to you most from the sermon about Herod Antipas and John the Baptist’s death?
The sermon mentions how Herod made a rash promise. Have you ever made a promise you regretted? How did you handle it?
How does John the Baptist’s unwavering commitment to speaking truth, even to those in power, challenge you in your own life?
Pastor Chris said, “Tragedy does not stop our God.” How have you seen this play out in your own life or in the lives of others?
Discuss the contrast between holding onto fleeting earthly pleasures versus eternal hope in Christ. What makes this challenging in daily life?
How does the assurance of eternal life with God impact how you view difficulties or tragedies in this life?
The sermon touched on the idea that we’ve never experienced anything better than our current earthly life. How does this affect our perspective on heaven and eternity with God?
Practical Applications:
-This week, identify an area where you might be compromising your faith to hold onto something fleeting. Pray and consider how to realign your priorities.
-Practice speaking truth in love, even when it’s difficult. Start with a small step in your personal relationships or workplace.
-Write down three ways you can remind yourself daily of the eternal hope we have in Christ, especially during challenging times.
-Reach out to someone who may be going through a difficult time and share the hope we have in Christ with them.