Cove Group Guide: “Easter Changes Everything: The Power of the Resurrection”

Based on Matthew 28:1-10

Opening Prayer & Icebreaker (10 minutes)

Icebreaker Question: Share one event in your life that radically changed you. How did that moment shape who you are today?

Sermon Overview (5 minutes)

This Easter message focused on the historical reality of Jesus’ resurrection and its transformative power in our lives. Pastor Jeremy walked us through Matthew 28:1-10 and emphasized two major implications: Easter changes our relationship with God and Easter changes us personally.

Key Scripture

Matthew 28:5-6 “But the angel said to the women, ’Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.’”

Discussion Questions

Part 1: The Historical Reality of the Resurrection (15 minutes)

Evidence for the Resurrection: The sermon presented three reasons we can be confident the resurrection happened: women as first witnesses, multiple eyewitnesses, and the martyrdom of the disciples. Which of these evidences is most compelling to you? Why?

Personal Reflection: Pastor Jeremy asked, “If Christianity was true, would you become a Christian?” How would you answer this question? What barriers (if any) keep people from accepting the truth of the resurrection?

Empty vs. Fulfilled: The chocolate bunny illustration showed how many things in life leave us empty. What are some things people pursue to fill the void in their hearts? Why do these ultimately fail?

Part 2: Easter Changes Our Relationship with God (15 minutes)

Understanding Grace: The sermon emphasized that salvation is a free gift through grace, not something we can earn. Why is this concept so difficult for people to accept? How does our culture’s emphasis on “earning” things conflict with the gospel?

The Exclusivity of Jesus: Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). How do you respond to people who say this sounds too exclusive or narrow-minded?

The King’s Story: Reflect on the story of the king who took the 40 lashes for his daughter. How does this illustrate what Jesus did for us? What emotions does this story evoke in you?

Part 3: Easter Changes Us (15 minutes)

New Life Now: The sermon explained that Easter gives us hope, power, and purpose. Which of these three do you need most in your life right now? Why?

The Holy Spirit’s Power: What does it mean practically to “yield to the Holy Spirit” in your daily life? Share an example of when you’ve experienced the Spirit’s power to overcome temptation or sin.

Living with Purpose: Pastor Jeremy said that after salvation, we ask, “Jesus, what can I do for you?” How has your relationship with Jesus changed the way you live? What areas of your life still need to be surrendered?

Key Takeaways

✓ The resurrection of Jesus is a historical fact supported by evidence, not just a matter of faith.

✓ Grace is a free gift – we cannot earn salvation through works, morality, or religious activity.

✓ Jesus is the only way to God – His resurrection proves He conquered sin and death.

✓ Easter changes everything – It transforms our relationship with God and gives us new life characterized by hope, power, and purpose.

✓ Baptism is our public declaration – It’s the first step of obedience after believing in Jesus.

Practical Applications

• This Week’s Challenge:
• Choose one of the following to put into practice this week:

Option 1: Share Your Story Share the story of the resurrection with someone who doesn’t know Jesus. Use the evidence from the sermon to have a conversation about why you believe.

Option 2: Live Out Your New Identity Identify one area where you’re still living like the “old you” instead of the new creation you are in Christ. Take one specific step to yield to the Holy Spirit in that area.

Option 3: Express Gratitude Write out a prayer or journal entry thanking Jesus for taking the punishment you deserved. Reflect on what it means that He took your place.

Option 4: Take the Next Step If you haven’t been baptized since believing in Jesus, sign up for the next baptism opportunity at Shelter Cove.

Prayer Requests & Closing Prayer (10 minutes)

Group Sharing:

Who in your life needs to hear about the resurrection of Jesus?

What areas of your life need the transforming power of Easter?

Closing Prayer Focus:

• Thank God for the resurrection and what it means for us
• Pray for those who made decisions for Christ or were baptized this Easter
• Pray for opportunities to share the hope of the resurrection with others
• Pray for each person’s specific needs and challenges
• For Next Week

Reflect on this question: How has Easter 2026 changed you? Be prepared to share one way the resurrection has impacted your life this week.

Memory Verse: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

Additional Resources

If you made a decision for Christ today, connect with a pastor or group leader about next steps

Check out Shelter Cove’s website for information about baptism, small groups, and serving opportunities

Consider inviting someone to your small group who needs to hear about Jesus

Leader Tip: Create space for those who may have questions about salvation or baptism. This Easter message may have stirred hearts – be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in your group.