Fearless - Part 7: Hope Beyond Death

MICRO CHURCH GUIDE
May 17, 2026

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Memorial Day - May 24
This Memorial Day, join us for a meaningful and intentional time of worship as we wrap up our Fearless series together. Over the past several weeks, God has been challenging and growing us through this series, and we believe this final weekend will be a powerful opportunity to reflect on all He has been teaching us. As we gather together, we’ll create space to respond, worship, and take our next step in faith. As you prepare for this Sunday, be asking yourself: what fears is God asking you to finally lay down?

OneLife Students Summer Kick-off -  May 27
Our rising 6th graders and middle/high school students from both campuses will be coming together to kick off Summer with a United Night at the Knox Center Campus! Doors will open at 6:30pm, and it’s going to be an incredible night of student-led worship, food, games, and a message. Bring your friends, and come ready for a night of celebration and unity!

Join a Volunteer Team
There’s never been a better time to join a OneLife volunteer team. From our Kid City team, to First Impressions & Security, to Production & Worship, OneLife Students on Wednesdays, and our Connections Team during the week - there are tons of opportunities for you to get involved. Mark the Volunteering box on your Connection Card to get started!

Baptism
If you’ve given your life to Jesus but haven’t gone public with your story through baptism then it’s time to take that step! Mark the baptism box on your Connection Card and we’ll help you get started.
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GIVE BACK
Give Jesus your best! Make a one-time tithe or offering or to set up a recurring tithe or offering: Click Here To Give Online.
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Bottom Line: Understanding death leads to a more fulfilling life.

Philippians 1:20-24 NLT
20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.

1. Death is not natural, but a byproduct of sin.

2. Death has been conquered.

3. Death is not the end.

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START TALKING:
This week we talked about one of humanity’s biggest fears: death. We explored how fear often grows in the gap between what something actually is and what we imagine it might be. Many times, we fear things we don’t fully understand.We looked at how death was never originally part of God’s perfect creation. Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, and with sin came brokenness, pain, and death. But God did not leave humanity without hope. From the very beginning, He had a plan to restore what was broken through Jesus.Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, death itself was defeated. Because of this, followers of Jesus do not have to live as slaves to the fear of dying. Death is painful and real, but for those who trust in Christ, death is not the end.We also looked at Paul’s words in Philippians where he boldly says, “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” Paul understood that this world was not his ultimate home, and that truth shaped how he lived every single day.

Discussion prompts:

1. What are some things people commonly fear simply because they do not understand them?
2. Why do you think death is such a deeply feared topic for many people?
3. How would your life change if you truly believed death is not the end for followers of Jesus?
4. What are some things people hold onto in this world instead of fully trusting God?

START THINKING:

Read Philippians 1:20–24
1. What stands out to you about Paul’s attitude toward life and death?
2. Why do you think Paul could say, “living means living for Christ, and dying is even better”?
3. How did Paul continue focusing on Jesus even while imprisoned and facing possible death?
4. What does it mean practically to live for Christ?

Read Genesis 3:16–19
1. What were some of the consequences of sin entering the world?
2. Why is it important to understand that death was not originally part of God’s creation?
3. How does the pain we feel around death point to the brokenness of the world?

Read Hebrews 2:14–15
1. According to this passage, why did Jesus become human?
2. What did Jesus accomplish through His death?
3. What does it mean that Jesus set people free from the fear of dying?
4. Why do you think so many people still live with fear even after hearing the gospel?

Read John 3:16
1. What does this verse teach us about God’s love?
2. What promise is given to those who believe in Jesus?
3. How does eternal life change the way we view death?

START SHARING:
When have you experienced fear because you did not fully understand something?
Have you ever struggled with fear surrounding death or losing someone you love?
What are some distractions or temporary things people chase instead of focusing on Christ?
Which statement connects most with you:
1. “To live is money”
2. “To live is fame”
3. “To live is power”
4. Or something else?
Share a time when you realized earthly things could not truly satisfy you.
How does the hope of eternity affect the way you want to live now?
 
START DOING:
- What does it look like for you personally to “live for Christ” this week?
- Are there things in your life you may be holding onto more tightly than Jesus?
- How can remembering that “death is not the end” change your daily priorities?
- Is there someone around you who needs to hear the hope of the gospel?- - What is one practical way you can invest in eternal things instead of temporary things this week?
- If you are grieving a loss, what would it look like to allow Jesus to walk with you through that pain instead of carrying it alone?

START PRAYING:
- Thank God for sending Jesus to conquer sin and death.
- Thank Him that death is not the end for those who follow Christ.
- Ask God to help you live boldly and faithfully in light of eternity.
- Ask Him to help you loosen your grip on temporary things and focus more on Christ.
- Pray for courage to share the hope of Jesus with people who do not know Him.
- Ask God to comfort those who are grieving and remind them of the hope found in Jesus.
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CONNECTION CARDS
Be sure to fill out the online Connection Card to let us know next steps, prayer requests, or other information you'd like to share, click here.
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MULTIPLICATION
Share spiritual/missional conversations you've had where you live, work, and play:
  - Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
  - What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
  - How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
  - How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
  - Who in your life do you think could be disciple-able or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
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WHAT'S NEXT?
  - Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?/giveback/giveback
  - Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?