Follow The Evidence
Chet Pete
Sermon Highlights
We all have moments when we think, “Show me the evidence!”
Make sure you’re not just following compelling evidence but conclusive evidence.
Comparison is when you collect evidence about someone else’s life to tell a story about your own.
Beware of evidence you find: 1) in the dark and 2) at a distance.
Don’t let what’s broken blind you to God’s truths.
The tomb wasn’t empty — it was full of evidence.
The stone is evidence of God’s power; the strips of linen are evidence of Jesus’ pain and your purpose; the folded cloth is evidence that God has a plan for you.
Sometimes you have to dust for fingerprints in your life and find the hand of God.
Scriptures
John 20:1-8 - Jesus’ disciples find evidence of an empty tomb
Matthew 28:2 - The angel of the Lord rolled the stone away
John 11:39 - Martha’s concern about rolling Lazarus’ stone away
Sermon Discussion
Conversation Starter
What’s something you’ve done or seen happen that you wished was recorded so you had evidence? (Example: a hole-in-one on a golf course, making a basket from across the court, etc).
Discussion Questions
“Sometimes you have to dust for fingerprints in your life and find the hand of God.” What’s something recent that clearly shows God’s hand at work in your life?
“You need to make sure you’re not just following compelling evidence but conclusive evidence.” In a current challenge, what compelling evidence might be misleading you? What conclusive evidence shows God is with you?
Additional Questions
“Beware of evidence you find: 1) in the dark and 2) at a distance.” What practices help keep you from gathering evidence in the dark or at a distance? How have you seen them help you in the past? (ex. Reading your Bible, talking through the evidence with a trusted friend, etc.)
“The stone is evidence of God’s power; the strips of linen are evidence of Jesus’ pain and your purpose; the folded cloth is evidence that God has a plan for you.” How would focusing on these pieces of evidence this week change your perspective about what you’re currently walking through?
Prayer Prompt
Ask this question to your eGroup and include it as part of your closing prayer:
Chet reminded us: “The tomb wasn’t empty — it was full of evidence.”
Ask your eGroup: where are you in need of evidence of God’s love this week? Pray that each person will feel the personal and intentional love of God in those exact areas. Pray the evidence that was left at the tomb (the stone rolled away, the strips of linen, and the folded cloth) will comfort your eGroup members and remind them how deeply loved they are. As we approach Easter Weekend, pray that each member will reflect on God’s sacrifice and love shown on the cross and on His power shown at the empty tomb.