Raised to Life
No other event is more central to our finding and following Jesus than His resurrection. Without it, the Christian faith is just wishful thinking. But if Christ is raised from the dead, that changes everything. Because Jesus lives so can you! You can be raised to a new life while you’re still alive. And you can expectantly await your literal resurrection in the life to come.
Discussion Questions
Read the resurrection account recorded in John 20:1-20. What happened that first Easter morning? Since Jesus predicted His death and resurrection (Matt. 16:21), why might His followers have been so surprised when Jesus came back to life?
Jesus’ resurrection is not just a nostalgic chapter in the story of God coming to earth. It’s central to our faith in Christ. Why does faith in Christ implode if the resurrection didn’t happen? Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-19 for insights.
Read Colossians 3:1-4. How has a believer in Jesus already been raised with Christ? What does it mean to “set your mind on things above?”
How does the believer enjoy two kinds of resurrections: a spiritual resurrection in this life and a literal resurrection in the life to come? (Romans 6:4, Ephesians 2:6-7, John 6:40)
Believers in the early church were motivated by the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 4:33). How does Jesus’ resurrection change the way you live and interact with others?
Doubting Doubt
Doubt is the presence of uncertainty. This uncertainty can present itself at anytime, for both believers and skeptics alike. The aim for both is to consider their own positions of doubt and consider these beliefs in view of a risen Jesus. Whether a believer or a...
When Jesus Restores…
Receiving forgiveness and experiencing restoration can become pivotal moments that shape our character. Peter received a course correction for life as Jesus gently but powerfully restored their relationship and Peter’s role. Together, we can grow deeper into Jesus’...
Overcoming Failure
Failing is a common but disappointing life experience that always seems to catch us by surprise. When our failures are placed into the hand of Jesus, he can use even our shortcomings to fuel our growth. Let’s discover the part failure played in Peter’s life and how we...
Forgiveness
As God has forgiven us, we are to forgive each other. In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, Jesus is teaching His disciples, and us by extension, that forgiveness should be in like proportion to the amount forgiven. The first servant had been forgiven all, and he...
Peter’s Confession and Jesus’ Church
Jesus accomplishes his mission through his Church, but our part in a local church can be challenging as well as rewarding. In Matthew 16, we discover part of the foundation for God’s work through his Church and our part in it. How might God be calling you to be part...