Message Big Idea

Salvation isn’t just about someplace we’ll go after we die, it’s about a present way of living in an interactive relationship with God that transforms everything about our lives right now.

Scripture

Matthew 28:1-9

Ice Breaker & Opening Thought

1. If you were stranded on a deserted island, which three people would you most want to have join you?
2. What comes into your mind when you hear the word salvation? In the New Testament, “Salvation” has far less to do with you getting into heaven than it does with getting heaven into you. Salvation is about entering into an interactive relationship with God that transforms everything about our life. What do you think about that definition?

Bible Discussion

3. Read John 10:10 & John 17:3. How is life being defined in these passages?
4. Read the following statements about life. What do you think about those statements?

• • The philosopher Fredrich Nietzsche pondered life and said, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”
  • The billionaire J.P. Getty suggested: “My formula for success is rise early, work late, and strike oil.”
  • The creator of Charlie Brown & Lucy, Charles Shultz, explained life like this: “My life has no purpose, no direction, no aim, no meaning, and yet I’m happy. I can’t figure it out. What am I doing right?”

5. How are these similar to or different from Jesus’ statements about life?

Life Application

6. John Ortberg defines life as knowing God. He puts it this way: “The kind of ‘knowing God’ that is eternal life is an interactive relationship where I experience God’s presence and favor and power in my real life on this earth.” What difference would it make in your life to experience God’s presence, favor, and power?
7. What steps would you like to take to know more of God and experience the kind of life Jesus is offering?