Deep Dive into Ken's Message from April 20, 2025
Below you will find Bible study questions, discussion questions and a full small group discussion guide (pdf download)
DIG DEEPER INTO THE MESSAGE WITH THESE BIBLE STUDY QUESTIONS
- John 17:24 reveals that the Father loved the Son “before the foundation of the world.” How does this eternal love within the Trinity shape your understanding of God’s nature and character?
- Ken emphasized that “God is love” as His very essence. How does this fundamental truth from 1 John 4:8 impact how you relate to God and others in your daily life?
- Ephesians 1:4 states “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.” What emotions or thoughts arise when you consider that God knew and chose you before creation?
- Revelation 13:8 refers to Jesus as “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” What difference does it make to your faith knowing that Christ’s sacrifice wasn’t a reaction to sin but God’s predetermined plan?
- According to 1 Peter 1:18-20, we were redeemed by Christ’s blood, who was “chosen before the foundation of the world.” How does this reshape your understanding of God’s sovereignty and love?
- The sermon stated, “The cross wasn’t a second plan.” Share about a time when something that seemed like a failure or tragedy in your life turned out to be part of God’s greater purpose.
- Ken said, “Love always involves a risk.” God created us knowing we would sin, yet loved us anyway. How does this change how you view both God’s love and your own relationships?
- The imagery of “flowering the cross” transforms a symbol of death into beauty. Read Isaiah 61:1-3. Where in your life do you need God to turn “ashes into beauty” or “mourning into joy”?
- Matthew 13:35 tells us that Jesus came to reveal “what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.” What has Jesus revealed to you personally that has transformed your understanding of God?
- The sermon concludes with hope in Christ’s return when “it will be Sunday eternally.” How does this future hope from Revelation 21:1-5 affect how you face current difficulties?
- Ken says we might “have to live through Saturday a while longer,” referring to waiting between crucifixion and resurrection. What “Saturday” are you currently experiencing, and how can this group support you?
- Romans 6:4 teaches that through baptism, we are “buried with Christ and raised with him to new life.” Whether you’ve been baptized or not, how are you experiencing this death-to-life transformation in your spiritual journey?
DISCUSSION-STYLE QUESTIONS
- Ken stated that “God loved His Son before the foundation of the world.” How does understanding God’s eternal nature as love change your perspective on your relationship with Him?
- The sermon emphasized that “God knew us and loved us before He ever created us.” How does this truth affect your sense of purpose and identity?
- When you reflect on the idea that “the cross was always the plan” rather than a backup solution, how does this reshape your understanding of God’s sovereignty and wisdom?
- Ken mentioned that “love always involves a risk.” In what ways has God’s willingness to risk for love inspired you to take relational risks in your own life?
- The sermon highlighted that “the foundation of the world was laid with us in mind.” How does knowing you were in God’s thoughts before creation impact how you view your worth and value?
- The flowered cross symbolizes transformation from death to life. Share about a time when God transformed something painful in your life into something beautiful.
- Ken said we may need to “live through Saturday a while longer” before experiencing resurrection power. What “Saturday” waiting period are you currently experiencing, and what helps you maintain hope?
- The sermon teaches that Jesus revealed things “hidden since the foundation of the world.” What revelation about God’s character has been most meaningful to you personally?
- How has understanding that you were “chosen before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4) influenced how you approach challenges or difficult seasons?
- Ken described the resurrection as changing everything, even the meaning of the cross itself. What symbol or experience in your life has been similarly redeemed or transformed?
- The sermon concludes with the promise that one day “it will be Sunday eternally.” How does this future hope influence your present struggles and concerns?
- Ken invited listeners to “give your life to Jesus Christ today” and experience transformation. What area of your life needs resurrection power right now, and how can this group support you?
