EASTER – April 1, 2018

Matthew 28:1-10 “Come & See!” 

“He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” Matthew 28:6

OPENING: Resurrection Sunday (Easter) means that my life is now and forever.

TEXT: Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-58 slowly and prayerfully using different translations.

1. How would you describe Paul’s defense for the resurrection? When it comes to the resurrection, what are some of your doubts and questions? Which of his arguments for the resurrection do you feel makes the most sense?

12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 ESV

1. Which of the “if” statements speaks the most to you at this moment? Is there a new “if” out there that doubters struggle with? Since Christ resurrected from the dead, how should our lives be different as it relates to Paul’s arguments above?

2. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13 ESV) In what ways has the God of hope filled you with joy and peace? If not, what are the barriers in your life that are blocking you from experiencing greater joy and peace? What are the benefits of abounding in hope? How might this week be different if you live more in hope than in fear?

3. DIG DEEPER: Read Ephesians 1:15-22. What does this passage reveal to us about who Jesus Christ is? What does it say about the resurrection and how this impacts our walk with Christ? What does this passage reveal to us about who we are as Christians? How does the resurrection impact the church? Specifically, how does it impact our vision as a church?

4. THE GOSPEL: According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 15, what is the Gospel? Who are five people in your life right now who need to know the good news of Jesus Christ? What are the hurdles that keep you from freely talking about Jesus Christ? INVITE someone to sit with you at church or for coffee so that you invite them to COME & SEE Jesus!

NEXT STEP: Pray for five unbelievers and invite one to sit with you this week.