Description

Sermon by Fr. Carl Smith

Easter Sunday

Discussion Questions:

1. In a context of suffering and persecution, why do you think Peter ended his household-type exhortations with a challenge to Elders/Pastors? In other words, what role do elders/pastors play in helping Christ followers endure suffering with the hope of glory?
2. Fr. Carl taught that implied in Peter's exhortation to "Shepherd the flock of God" were two primary roles of elders/pastors: (1) Feeding the flock of God (through Word and Sacrament), and (2) Leading the flock of God. Do you think that is a good job description for a pastor/elder?
3. Our sermon series was on the topic of "Suffering and Glory." Has it been your past belief that these two terms are linked? What do you think about Fr. Carl's answer to the question, "What links suffering and glory? The answer is HOPE!"
4. Can you recall some of the passages Fr. Carl raised about hope, whether from 1 Peter or some other book of the Bible? Can you add others?
5. Fr. Carl applied this message of hope to how we view individuals who are bound by sin and marriages that are experiencing difficulty. What difference does the Gospel of Hope make in these cases?
6. The sermon ended with a challenge to live into (and memorize) 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV): "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." In what ways does this promise from God's word provide an "anchor for your soul"?