Pastor Matt reminded us that the resurrection of Jesus, since it is factually true, means we need to take Jesus' claim over our lives very, very seriously — no matter we like, or don't like, about those claims.
MY STORY
Describe an historically-indisputable event, one that happened in your lifetime, that changed your life in a significiant way.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, "Peace to you!" But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." Jesus said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures .... And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. (Luke 24:1-31, 52)
Why is it important that the disciples experienced the risen Jesus with all five of their senses?
What would cause the disciples to be initially troubled at what they were experiencing?
How did the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus fulfill many of the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what "takeaways" do you think God has revealed to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
How did the baptisms you witnessed this weekend symbolize a believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus?
How does the resurrection of Jesus, which is historically indisputable, validate absolutely everything he taught for the previous three years?
Extra credit: Do a search with the words "proof of the resurrection" and determine why the resurrection of Jesus, as it's described in the Gospels, is historically irrefutable.
Describe why the resurrection of Jesus is absolutely essential for your salvation.
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit's leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Pastor Matt said, "The truth of the matter is the undeniable event of the resurrection backs every single one of us in a corner and makes it clear to us that historical truth does not care about what you like or dislike. It is not about if this part of the Bible offends you. It comes down to this: Are you willing to accept the facts of the eyewitness accounts of Jesus' life, his death and his resurrection? And if so, what are you going to do with that?"
How does the fact of the resurrection require us to recalibrate our beliefs about what we like, or don't like, in regard to what the Bible says?
Think about how your life would be different if the resurrection of Jesus was just a symbolic event.
Imitate the faith of the disciples, and focus your worship on Jesus this week — starting first on the small things for which you are are grateful, and then moving toward the massive, awe-inspiring ways your regenerated soul is different because God raised him from the dead, never to die again.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
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