Hold Firmly

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In groups of two or three, respond to the following, “When was the first time you heard the ‘good news’?”

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-11.

• Paul reminds his readers “of the good news” that he proclaimed to them. Work as a group to define “good news.” What makes this news good? What clues does Paul give in this passage about how he understands the “good news”? [Verses 3-4 point out Jesus’ death for sins; it happened according to Scripture or in line with what God had been doing with the covenant community; and the resurrection, etc.]
• Christians often speak about when they were “saved” or having been “saved.” Here Paul notes that we “are being saved.” Why is the way Paul puts it so important? [It speaks to the ongoing nature of the saving relationship we have with God. Our salvation is a gift we are living into more than a declaration about our destination.]
• How does thinking about salvation as ongoing reassuring? [God does not give up on us. God desires to continue growing us in grace.]
• What might be the significance of Paul noting he is the “least of the apostles” (v. 9)?
• How many times does Paul use the word “grace” in verse 10? [3] How does Paul’s emphasis on grace go with his note that he “worked harder than any of them”?
• How is God’s grace the source of empowerment and Paul’s credential for being an apostle?
• (R) What does it mean to hold firmly to Christ? What difference would it make in your life if you were more mindful of God’s grace empowering all you were doing?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). Ask for a volunteer to lead the group or read the following prayer in unison:

Empowering God of the cross and Resurrection, we give thanks that you do not give up on us or leave us alone. We are grateful and amazed that you continue to desire to work in and through your people, so that all might experience the abundant life that comes through you. Help us to hold fast to your grace and love in all that we say and do. Amen.