1 Corinthians 15:19-26  +  Easter Sunday

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most significant, life-changing doctrine of salvation in the Bible. (See 1 Corinthians 15:3,4)

“Indeed” means, “This is a big deal!” It also means that this saving power and promise of God is absolute truth and non-negotiable in our convictions.

If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:19,20)

Easter means you can and should stop limiting God to your ways.

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” (John 11:25,26)

No person or power has authority over Jesus. (See 1 Corinthians 15:25,26)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Ask yourself two questions. When I die, am I really dead? When I live, am I really alive? Think spiritually. How does Jesus’ resurrection give you the best answer for both?
2. “Indeed” means “this is a big deal!” Read 1 Corinthians 15:3,4. How can you make the gospel a bigger deal in 1) your everyday living, and 2) your worship? Be specific. Make a plan. Start this week. Share with your group.
3. “Indeed” means “the resurrection is real, and a non-negotiable conviction for me.” How and when has this core belief been tested in your life? In addition to that, where do you see skeptics in our culture scoffing at this miracle? Pray about this.
4. Agree or Disagree—The risen, living Jesus is controlling all things in this world.

Matthew 21:12-17  +  Part 9 of the series Help And Hope For Our Mental Health

The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6)

We have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16)

“Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matthew 21:9)

Jesus goes to church.

Sometimes the best and most holy of thoughts actually create conflict with those too comfortable in their sin or dysfunction.

Mental disorders and disease can feel like they’re in control, but they are not.

As you live out Christ-like thinking, understand that others are going to react in different ways that you can’t control, and aren’t always your responsibility to fix.

Boundaries, when prayerfully considered and properly practiced, are blessings.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Search online for “Christian Family Solutions How to Support a Loved One Struggling with Depression.” Read the article which offers guidance to: Offer Encouragement, Start the Conversation, and Take Action Together. Discuss with your group.
2. Review the 7 practical helps for supporting someone who is struggling. Use your notes, or rely on group members who took notes. Which have you tried? Which have others done to care for you? What good thing happened?
3. Read Mark 1:29-45. Identity the situations where Jesus practiced boundaries. What’s the difference between a loving boundary and a sinfully selfish boundary?

Ephesians 4:6,29-32  +  Part 8 of the series Help And Hope For Our Mental Health

The best time to humbly accept instructions about how we handle conflict is not during a crisis.

His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. (Ephesians 2:15,16)

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle … (Ephesians 4:1,2)

Attack problems, not people.

Be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort … (Ephesians 4:2,3)

Keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:3-5)

Believe the best about each other.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:29,30)

Connect instead of complain.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31,32)

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP

“Make every effort” (Ephesians 4:3). What action will you take, beginning this week, to better practice the ABC’s of healthy conflict? Share with your group and ask for their prayers. Report back next week.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. 1. 1. “Make every effort” (Ephesians 4:3). What action will you take, beginning this week, to better practice the ABC’s of healthy conflict? Share with your group and ask for their prayers. Report back next week.
      2. Our culture is addicted to hateful human conflict. How? Why? What do we have that is stronger than hate? Read and discuss https://hegetsus.com/en/articles/love-your-enemies.  
      3. Read the other chapters in the book of Ephesians. If you’re in a group, assign one chapter to each person. Look for other examples or teaching in these chapters about the ABC’s of healthy conflict. 
      4. Is there ever a situation where it is holy and healthy to tell another person about someone with whom you’re in conflict? Discuss.
      5. Where else does the apostle Paul call himself a “prisoner of the Lord?” What words of God the Holy Spirit in these verses provide you with promises? These promises empower you to lead conflict in your life to be healthy.

Matthew 26:30-38  +  Part 7 of the series Help And Hope For Our Mental Health

When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:30)

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’” (Matthew 26:31)

“But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” (Matthew 26:32)

When you are in a group like that—where Jesus leads more than anyone …

Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. (Matthew 26:33-35)

There’s double sin here.

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” (Matthew 26:36)

“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (Matthew 26:38)

Look around. This is our group, and Jesus is our leader.

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP

LifeGroups are part of the Big Three at CrossLife (worship, LifeGroups, personal devotions). If you want to join a LifeGroup contact our church office at hello@crosslifepf.org.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. 1. LifeGroups are part of the Big Three at CrossLife (worship, LifeGroups, personal devotions). If you want to join a LifeGroup contact our church office at hello@crosslifepf.org.
   2. Work with your LifeGroup and make a list of at least 10 blessings of “groupness” your group members have experienced. Then read Colossians 3:12-17. Make a list of 3 ways you could improve group life.
   3. True or False—“Superior irritation” with a group is more dangerous than “solitary isolation” from a group.
   4. How important were groups to Jesus while he was on this earth, and how important will they be when we’re with him in heaven?

Deuteronomy 31:7,8  +  Part 6 of the series Help And Hope For Our Mental Health

A 2024 poll from the American Psychiatric Association found that one in three Americans feels lonely every week.

“God is always with us,” but …

Without a doubt, God was on the Israelites’ side.

All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron. (Numbers 14:2)

God was with them. They weren’t with God.

“Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.” (Deuteronomy 31:7)

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

God has already faced the impossible loneliness you face.

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP

How do you encourage someone who is lonely? Read these 7 helpful ideas. https://christianfamilysolutions.org/2024/05/06/love-for-the-lonely/ 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. How do you encourage someone who is lonely? Read these 7 helpful ideas. https://christianfamilysolutions.org/2024/05/06/love-for-the-lonely/ 
2. Purchase and read Lonely Less: 6 Steps to a Less Lonely Life by Pastor Mike Novotny from Time of Grace. You’ll learn practical steps to help you find joy in God’s daily presence, build bridges in your family, fight for face-to-face friendships, and share the love you want to receive.
3. Dig and Discuss—Read Numbers 14. The chapter begins and ends with rebellion against the Lord; what evidence reveals that to be true? What makes the actions of Joshua, Caleb and Moses so courageous? What is similar or different between a child’s timeout and God’s description of the next 40 years for the Israelites?
4. True or False—Loneliness is a sin.

1 Kings 19:3-8  +  Part 5 of the series Help And Hope For Our Mental Health

Stories of Hope and Recovery: Terry Wise

• “The one thing that can never be taken away from you is your ability to _________________________________.”
• [Friend]: “Looking back on it, I would have been more ______________.”
• “Do you really think you’re worth that little?” Is that a good question for a Christian to ask? What are some conclusions Terry reached because of that question?
• “There were other ways to end my pain besides death.” Like what?
• One thing that anyone considering suicide can always do is: _____________________

“I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (1 Kings 19:3,4)

How can a Christian consider or commit suicide?

All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. (1 Kings 19:5,6)

5 action steps outlined by Christian Life Resources

1. 1. Ask: Inquire directly, “Are you thinking about ending your life?”
   2. Be Present: Listen actively to understand their thoughts and feelings.
   3. Ensure Safety: Keep a line of sight.
   4. Facilitate Connections: Help them get help.
   5. Follow Up: Check in on them later.

The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. (1 Kings 19:7,8)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Export these three excellent resources that help prevent suicide

• • • https://christianliferesources.com/suicide-prevention/ A comprehensive guide for the who, what, why and how to help.
    • https://988lifeline.org/ Immediate online chat or phone call available for anyone with suicidal thoughts. Inspirational stories that offer hope. 
    • https://christianfamilysolutions.org/mental-health-moments/ Sign up to receive a weekly mental health email packed with teaching and tools. 

2. In “Stories of Hope and Recovery: Terry Wise,” why didn’t Terry’s friend, Tom, probe more into her behaviors indicating depression? https://youtu.be/i9x1suuv6gw?si=wKJ36xYovYTyfKvz 
3. How can a Christian possibly consider suicide? Study Romans 7:15-25. Discuss the problem and the solution.
4. Evaluate this advice to a friend struggling with depression: “Just pray and it’ll be okay. That’s what worked for me.”

1 Corinthians 2:10-16  +  Part 4 of the series Help And Hope For Our Mental Health

About half of all people in the United States will be diagnosed with a mental disorder at some point in their lifetime.

Pay close attention to the words “spirit” and “Spirit.”

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. (1 Corinthians 2:10-12)

The examiner is the giver and the gift of holiness in us.

The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments. (1 Corinthians 2:14,15)

Estimates suggest that only half of all people with mental disorders get the treatment they need. Why?

For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self control. (2 Timothy 1:7)

We have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16)

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP 

The Book Winning the War in Your Mind, and the readings from “Jesus, Our Savior: Lenten Devotions from Time of Grace” on YouVersion provide more help and hope for mental health. Join other CrossLifers on YouVersion in the Lenten devotion readings. Watch for instructions. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. The Book Winning the War in Your Mind, and the readings from “Jesus, Our Savior: Lenten Devotions from Time of Grace” on YouVersion provide more help and hope for mental health. Join other CrossLifers on YouVersion in the Lenten devotion readings. Watch for instructions.
2. True or False — It is easier to care for a loved one who has lost both legs than a loved one with a mental disorder, because a person’s limitations without legs are easier to see, understand, and support. 
3. Recall two reasons that people with mental health disorders don’t get the treatment that they need. What is the solution according to 2 Timothy 1:7? Explain.
4. Share 1-3 fresh insights or new tools you have gained from the Help and Hope for Mental Health series after 4 weeks. 

Psalm 34:17-19  +  Part 3 of the series Help And Hope For Our Mental Health

Your wound is as deep as the sea. Who can heal you? (Lamentations 2:13)?

Trauma is a word that comes from the Greek language. It means “wound.”

• 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. 
• Around 15 million people annually are diagnosed with PTSD. 
• 1 in 3 women experiences sexual assault. 

Event. Experience. Effect.

Trauma is real. God is real. God is Lord over all trauma. 

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. (Psalm 34:17-19)

Recovery from Trauma

Safety. Remembrance and Mourning. Reconnection.

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP 

Explore the book Deep as the Sea: Letters to Survivors of Trauma. 

• 1. From your experience, how accurate are the 4 effects of trauma outlined on pp. ix-xiv? 
  2. What do theologians mean by “the psychological Word” (pp. xv1-xviii)? 
  3. From your experience, how accurate are the 3 stages of trauma recovery outlined on pp. 103-106?
  4. Consider 3 reading assignments for 3 members of your group for the 3 different parts of the book (Safety, Remembrance and Mourning, and Reconnection) then each group member reports back to the group. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Explore the book Deep as the Sea: Letters to Survivors of Trauma. 

1. • From your experience, how accurate are the 4 effects of trauma outlined on pp. ix-xiv? 
   • What do theologians mean by “the psychological Word” (pp. xv1-xviii)? 
   • From your experience, how accurate are the 3 stages of trauma recovery outlined on pp. 103-106?
   • Consider 3 reading assignments for 3 members of your group for the 3 different parts of the book (Safety, Remembrance and Mourning, and Reconnection) then each group member reports back to the group. 
2. Read Psalm 147:3 says that God “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” In what ways do the surrounding verses in Psalm 147:1-11 provide deeper insight to this promise of God?
3. True or False — Full recovery from trauma is possible for anyone, and expected for Christians.