Message Notes for This Weekend
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September 27, 2026
Teaching Pastor: Jason Huffman, Lead Pastor
Title: Relational Repercussions
Big Idea: Being hated because of our love for God feels bad, but it is a good sign.
Scripture Reference: John 15
John 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
The “world” are those who reject God’s kingdom & authority.
1. We are chosen.
I John 2: 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
Romans 12:2 tells us: “And do not be conformed to this world,”
12:2 but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
John 15: 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
2. Jesus was hated too.
The word persecute: dioxousin: means “to pursue”.
There are over 5 billion people in 62 countries experiencing discrimination & persecution.
21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’
26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
3. The Holy Spirit is our helper.
Discussion Questions
General Timeline Guide: (Adjust as appropriate for your group’s needs.)
5-10 minutes connecting personally with how everyone is doing.
45 minutes going over message with discussion questions and life applications.
5-10 minutes praying for each other
Discussion Questions
Look over these questions before your group time. Write down your answers or ideas for at least a few questions if not all. You may not get to every question during your time, but speak up if you want to talk about one of them in particular. Always try to start with question #1.
1. What stood out to you and/or what do you think God might be speaking about from this message?
2. Have you ever felt hated or do you remember hating someone else before you were saved because they followed Jesus?
3. In what ways do you feel the world trying to push you into its mold? Are there times the pressure is stronger or weaker?
4. Which of the 3 points is most encouraging for you in the face of being hated? Why? 1. You are chosen. 2. Jesus was hated too. 3 The Holy Spirit is our helper.
5. What would it look like to live in such a way that people around us are without excuse for trusting Jesus?
6. How can knowing that Jesus did not stop the persecution but sent the Holy Spirit to help them encourage you or change your perspective about persecution or suffering?
Teaching Pastor: Jason Huffman, Lead Pastor
Title: Relational Repercussions
Big Idea: Being hated because of our love for God feels bad, but it is a good sign.
Scripture Reference: John 15
John 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
The “world” are those who reject God’s kingdom & authority.
1. We are chosen.
I John 2: 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
Romans 12:2 tells us: “And do not be conformed to this world,”
12:2 but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
John 15: 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
2. Jesus was hated too.
The word persecute: dioxousin: means “to pursue”.
There are over 5 billion people in 62 countries experiencing discrimination & persecution.
21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’
26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
3. The Holy Spirit is our helper.
Discussion Questions
General Timeline Guide: (Adjust as appropriate for your group’s needs.)
5-10 minutes connecting personally with how everyone is doing.
45 minutes going over message with discussion questions and life applications.
5-10 minutes praying for each other
Discussion Questions
Look over these questions before your group time. Write down your answers or ideas for at least a few questions if not all. You may not get to every question during your time, but speak up if you want to talk about one of them in particular. Always try to start with question #1.
1. What stood out to you and/or what do you think God might be speaking about from this message?
2. Have you ever felt hated or do you remember hating someone else before you were saved because they followed Jesus?
3. In what ways do you feel the world trying to push you into its mold? Are there times the pressure is stronger or weaker?
4. Which of the 3 points is most encouraging for you in the face of being hated? Why? 1. You are chosen. 2. Jesus was hated too. 3 The Holy Spirit is our helper.
5. What would it look like to live in such a way that people around us are without excuse for trusting Jesus?
6. How can knowing that Jesus did not stop the persecution but sent the Holy Spirit to help them encourage you or change your perspective about persecution or suffering?