A living Hope – John 20:19-31
Read: John 20:24-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9, 1 John 3:1-3
- Share what you learnt from Hugh’s talk.
- What comes to your mind when you think of Thomas? How did Jesus deal with his doubts? Do you find this encouraging?
- Hugh said there is a difference between ‘doubt’ and ‘unbelief’. Discuss the differences.
- How does it help to keep our eye on ‘what we shall become’ and ‘what we really are’ rather than on our present circumstances? You might like to reflect on Hugh’s analogy of looking into a mirror. How can this attitude help us cope with our present isolation? (1 John 3:2)
- We were reminded that as followers of Jesus we are his chosen people regardless of how we feel. How do we deal with feelings of loneliness and doubt at times such as those we are experiencing now? Can you think of any Bible verses that might help us encourage others who are doubting or unsure at the moment?
- In 1 Peter 1: 3-9 Peter reminds us of several truths – what are some of them? (e.g. new birth, a living hope, an inheritance that can never perish). Do you understand what is meant by each of these terms?
- 1 Peter 1:7 explains why trials come to us – what is the reason Peter gives? Remember the parable of the soils – only 1 was fruitful, in the others the plants withered and died because they had no roots (they did not persevere). Our profession of faith is proved to be genuine if we endure the various trials that come our way. How can we do this?
- For some people, maybe our Christian friends, this period of social isolation is a trial. Using some of the ideas Hugh mentioned, how can we encourage one another?
- What is your ‘take home’ message from Hugh’s talk?
Lesley Bloomfield