What happened that first Easter morning is a question of both history and faith. Historians can all agree on the fact that Jesus lived, died, His tomb was empty, and His body nowhere to be found. You see, history can take us so far, but it is faith that takes us that one last step. It is by faith that we choose to believe in what so many saw that day — that Jesus rose from the grave. For the first followers of Jesus, the first Easter was about what they said they saw. For the rest of us, it’s a matter of what we believe they saw. Because of what happened on Easter, there is hope no matter what has happened, is happening, or will happen in this life.
1. Have you ever looked at Easter not just through the lens of faith but of history? Does it affect the way you think about the event or help you in believing it?
2. "Doubt propels us towards truth." Do you find this statement to be true?
3. What did it take to convince you that Jesus is the Son of God? What would it take for you to call your sibling Lord?
4. Why is the resurrection so foundational for Christ followers? How would you explain that to someone who doesn’t yet believe?
5. Pastor Trevor gave us a list of reasons why he believes in the resurrection. Have you ever considered why you believe? If so, what are the reasons. If not, why?
6. Paul learned the central tenants of his faith through a creed taught to him by the original apostles. Do you have any creeds, sayings, or songs that taught you about your faith or that you use in instructing others?
7. Think of those you are trying reach. Are their objections primarily reason based or faith based? Do you think the information from this week’s sermon would be beneficial in leading them to faith?
MEMORIZATION
1 Corinthians 15:3-8 “That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also.”
