Message Notes for April 23, 2023
Series: So Now What?
Title: Look For Proof!

The realness of Jesus is all around us once we learn to recognize Him.

Apologetics is the practice of defending your faith and the hope that is in you through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 3:15-16 …worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way.

Following the proof of the resurrection, the disciples moved from a powerless awareness of Jesus to bold, power-filled followers of Jesus.

Luke 24: 35-43 nlt 35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. 36 And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! 38 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he ate it as they watched.

Luke 24:44-49 & John 20: 24-30

Where do we go for proof, to fill our faith and following of Jesus with power and boldness, that changes us and changes the world?

• First – We go back to the foot of the cross and the resurrection morning.
• Second – We go to the Bible.
• Third – We observe the life change in other Jesus’ followers.
• Fourth – We prove Jesus’ promises to be true by living them.
  
  

Family/Study Group Notes for Week of April 23, 2023
Series: So Now What?
Title: Look For Proof!

• When and how have you had to prove something in your life to someone else? How did that proof convince the other person or people?
  

• How would you describe the difference between having proof of something and having faith in something?
  

• On Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the dead. What proof of this are you aware of? Read the following passages: Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 24: 35-49, John 20:19-29, John 21:1-19. How did proof of the resurrection of Jesus change the disciples? How does knowing Jesus rose from the dead make you bolder to live for Jesus? Does it? Why or why not?
  

• Read 1 Peter 3:15-16. Share with each other in your group and/or family the difference Jesus makes in your life.
  

• What are ways discussed in the message that you can grow in boldness of faith and following of Jesus? What would be your next steps?
  

• Gather in prayer and accountability with each other, supporting each other in living for Christ.