April 9^th – April 15^th, 2023

Sermon Summary

Based on the evidence available concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we as His followers should believe the good news, live out the good news and share the good news.

Verse of the Week

1 Corinthians 15:14
¹⁴ And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.

Going Deeper

Review 1 Corinthians 15: 12-14

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1) The pastor defined God’s power as His “unlimited authority to bring into existence or cause to happen whatsoever He wills”. What are some Scripture references that support this definition?

2) The resurrection of Christ affirms His divinity – the fact that He is not just an extraordinary man, but the Incarnate Son of God. John 1:1-5 testifies to this fact. What other verses affirm this important doctrine? What effect do they have on your faith?

3) The justification of the believer through faith in Jesus Christ is a source of great joy, especially since we could not earn that justification through our own efforts. What aspects of God’s character made our justification: 1) necessary and 2) possible

4) The pastor referenced 14 resurrections in Scripture. Choose 2-3 or them and compare them to Christ’s resurrection. What are the key differences between their circumstances?

5) The scriptures tell us that Judas betrayed Jesus, Peter denied him, and the disciples all deserted Him. Share about a time when you denied Jesus, either by your actions or your words/speech.

a. On reflection, how did you feel afterwards?

b. How did you reconcile with Jesus and restore your relationship with Him as Peter and the disciples did?

6) The resurrection was the pivotal moment that emboldened the disciples and the rest of Jesus’ followers to spread the Good News of His testimony. Even if you have been following Jesus for years, was there a pivotal moment in your life when the truth and impact of the Gospel changed the course of your life? Tell someone about that moment.

Assess Your Life

1) How would you rate your ability and willingness to share the good news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ?

a) I don’t believe the Biblical accounts of Jesus’ resurrection as there are too many inconsistencies in the story.

b) I believe that Jesus was a great man & teacher, but I have doubts about the resurrection.

c) I believe the Gospel but I’m afraid of how I will be perceived by others if I share it.

d) I have started sharing the Gospel but only occasionally if it comes up in conversation.

e) I know that the Gospel is true and essential for everyone to hear & I actively share it every chance I get.

2) What factors hinder your ability & willingness to meditate on biblical virtues and how they should affect your life choices?

Application

1) What actions are you taking to improve your ability and willingness to share the good news of the Gospel?

a)

b)

c)

2 Of the list above, which one(s) will you be intentional about working on this week?

I will ask

to hold me accountable to this.

Sermon Main Points

Despite vain theories to the contrary, the empty tomb of Jesus Christ conveys good news for the believer :

1. Jesus’ resurrection represents a demonstration of God’s power.
God’s power is His unlimited authority to bring into existence or cause to happen whatsoever He wills.

2. Jesus’ resurrection confirms His divinity.
Jesus’ divinity was not embraced while he walked the earth. He was even jeered and mocked when he stood before the people and eventually hung on the cross. However, Jesus alluded to his own divinity in scripture.

3. Jesus’ resurrection is the basis for the believer’s justification.
Because of what Jesus did on the cross, we are no longer seen as guilty, but as having our sin paid for, a price we couldn’t pay, a price that was paid for by Christ.

4. Jesus’ resurrection is the basis for the believer’s resurrection.
Jesus is the first-fruits of the resurrection because when He was resurrected He never died again. His resurrection is the kind all believers will receive.

Sermon Reflection

What stood out for me in this sermon?

What is something I can do to remember this?

Memorable Quotes

1. Justification is an act of vindication, or an acquittal.
   —Derek A Ward

2. Our hope is built on Christ the Solid Rock. We live with a hope of resurrection – the resurrection unto life. —Derek A Ward

Take Note

After his resurrection Christ appeared and was seen by many eyewitnesses on numerous occasions:

a. He appeared to Mary Magdalene (John 20: 11 - 18)

b. He appeared to the disciples in the upper room. (John 20: 19 – 23)

c. He appeared to two men on the road to Emmaus. (Luke 24: 13 – 35)

d. He appeared the next week to the disciples especially to Thomas. (John 20: 26 – 29)

e. He met with them by the Sea of Galilee and had breakfast with them. (John 21: 4 – 14)

f. He appeared to five hundred people at one time according to the apostle Paul. (1 Corinthians 15: 1 – 11)

5 Day Study Plan

Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.

Follow these steps
1. Observe the text. (What does the text say?)
2. Interpret the text. (What does the text mean?)
3. Apply the text. (What can I do as a result of what I have learnt?)

Day 1 - 1 Corinthians 15:21-22

Day 2 - 1 Peter 1:3-6

Day 3 - Acts 4:33

Day 4 - Luke 24:5-7

Day 5 - Romans 6:5-11

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_{For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then discussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow together.}

_{Harvest Bible Chapel Barbados - 2023}