Easter: This Is Not The End
No matter the obstacles or the challenges, God is able to help you in ways you may not expect. At every turn or dead end, He can surprise you with His plans and His presence. What feels like the end may actually be a new beginning.
Discussion Questions
Everyone faces challenges and difficulties. What are your most recent challenging circumstances? How are you dealing with them?
The followers of Jesus must have felt defeated when Jesus was crucified and dead. Why does resurrection require death? How have you come to life through unexpected dark times?
The reality of the resurrection is an absolute necessity to faith in Christ. Why is the resurrection of Jesus essential? Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 for insights.
Resurrection is a picture of life from death. In what ways have you experienced resurrection power in bringing you from “dead” times to a new beginning? What is the most exciting new beginning you are experiencing?
The resurrection of Jesus was the most powerful, catalytic event that launched the early church. Why was this event more powerful than even a creed or religious dogma? Why would Jesus’ followers have been emboldened to proclaim the gospel because of the resurrection?
Read 1 Peter 1:3-5. Why is Jesus’ resurrection a powerful event both for seekers and believers? How might a mature Christian approach the subject of the resurrection with fresh eyes and insight?
Hope Released
At Easter, God’s new creation work bursts out onto an unsuspecting world with new life and new possibilities for hope. We join that never-ending celebration of God’s faithfulness, compassion, and power by responding and living with confident hope. How does life change...
Hope Delivered
“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b (NLT)hortly after having our third child, my husband took a huge leap of faith and left the corporate world to make a career switch. He had hoped this change...
Hope Deferred
For she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well. Matthew 9:21-22 (ESV)o you want to be...
Living with Hope
And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Nehemiah...
Wishing and Hoping
Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. Matthew 20:29-34...
The Hope of a Better Life
They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Hebrews 11:35c (NLT) recently hit a major birthday milestone and spent some time looking back over the past few decades. For much of my adult life, I looked ahead to the next stage,...
Day 8: Jesus is Resurrected!
Matthew 28:1-10 (ESV) Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the...
Raised Forever
Easter is the celebration of all celebrations! Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death and is raised to life. The resurrection of Jesus is not some legend that has been passed down through the ages meant to give us an excuse for another holiday. In Easter we see the...
Day 7: Jesus’ Body is Taken Down From the Cross
Mark 15:42-47 (ESV) And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and...
Day 6: Jesus Dies
Mark 15:33-35 (ESV) And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of...