Message Notes for September 8, 2024

Series: Influencers

Title: The Resurrection Matters to Daily Life

The resurrection is real and therefore gives meaning, hope and purpose for one’s walk with Christ on earth.

1 Corinthians 15:12-34 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. 20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all. 29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

What unravels if the resurrection is false?

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Why is the resurrection so important?

– It is the central fact of Jesus’ promise.

– It is the foundation of the Christian faith.

– It defines Christianity over all other world religions.

– It proves that God’s Kingdom has broken into our world for its redemption.

– It shows that death is conquered, and sin is forgiven.

– It gives meaning even in great tragedy.

– It confirms Jesus’ power to rule, reign and judge.

– It assures Christians of their eternal home with their Heavenly Creator.

Family/Group Study Notes for the week of September 8, 2024

Series: Influencers

Title: The Resurrection Matters to Daily Life

– Share with each other what you have experienced at the funerals of friends and family. Was there a core message you took away? How were God and Jesus represented? In what ways did you experience hope? In what ways did the experience feel final? As a Christian, was there something you would have liked to have said?

– How does knowing that Jesus rose from the dead affect how you live your daily life? How does the resurrection give you hope in times of tragedy? How does it help you endure suffering, trials, and even hardship because you follow Jesus? In what ways does your following Jesus make life more difficult for you? In what ways do you sacrifice because you put Jesus first?

– Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-34. (If you have not read 15:1-11, start there.) How would you summarize what Paul wants us to know?

– How does the resurrection of Jesus pave the way for our own resurrection? How do you understand the resurrection of the body? Read the “Apostles’ Creed”. Why is belief in a bodily resurrection important? How did people recognize Jesus after His resurrection?

– Read the resurrection stories in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. How do these different accounts help to understand the whole story?What do you see as the main similarities and differences?

– Why is it important to share about the resurrection when giving testimony of your faith to others?

– Gather in prayer with each other to be bolder in your witness of Jesus in your life.