Welcome to "The Breakdown," the weekly podcast designed specifically for growth group leaders at Soteria Church in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, "The Breakdown" is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!REFLECT1. If you had to blindly follow someone’s directions for a day, who would you trust—and who would you definitely not?2. What’s something in your life that’s hard to surrender to Jesus’ leadership—even though you believe in him?ENCOUNTERFaith is more than belief—it’s allegiance. After rising from the dead, Jesus didn’t disappear. He met with his followers, gave them a mission, and called them to live under his authority.In John 20, we meet Thomas—the disciple who missed Easter morning. He voices his doubts, but when Jesus appears, he responds not with understanding, but surrender: “My Lord and my God!”Faith isn’t passive. It’s personal. It surrenders to Jesus as Lord.Turn to John 20:24–29 and read the passage aloud. Let’s consider what it means to truly respond to the risen Jesus.3. What emotions or tension do you see in Thomas’ words before he sees Jesus?4. What does Jesus’ response reveal about how he treats honest doubt?5. How does Thomas’ confession in verse 28 go beyond belief into worship?6. What does verse 29 suggest about the kind of faith Jesus blesses today?TRANSFORMFaith is not just how we start the Christian life—it’s how we live it. Jesus invites us to trust him with everything, even what we cannot see.7. How do you wrestle with believing in an unseen Savior in a world that values proof and visibility?8. What is one area of your life this week where you need to submit more fully to the lordship of Jesus?PRAY9. Ask Jesus to strengthen your faith and help you surrender every area of life to him. Bring before him the doubts, burdens, and fears that make full trust difficult—and ask for help to follow him as Lord.10. One More Disciple – Pray for those who have heard the Easter message but have not yet responded in faith. Ask Jesus to open their eyes, soften their hearts, and use you to help them see and follow him.

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