EASTER AT ONE MISSOULA
WHY DOES JESUS’ RESURRECTION MATTER?
1. Jesus’ resurrection proves there’s an afterlife (1 Corinthians 15:20–23)
2. Jesus’ resurrection validates everything He said and did (Romans 1:3–4)
3. Our world needs you to live as a citizen of God’s Kingdom in this life, knowing you would not gain the Kingdom until the next (Matthew 5:13–16)
4. Living as a citizen of God’s Kingdom now only makes sense if Jesus has achieved and offers eternal life (1 Peter 1:3–9)
“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” —1 Corinthians 15:17
BECAUSE JESUS SHOWED THERE IS AN AFTERLIFE BY RISING FROM THE DEAD, THERE IS NO FACT MORE WORTHY OF YOUR FOCUS AND NO TRUTH MORE DESERVING OF YOUR INVESTIGATION.
“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. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” —Matthew 28:1–10
THE EVERYTHING-ALTERING AUTHORITY ESTABLISHED BY JESUS’ RESURRECTION IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT RESISTANCE WITHOUT REGARD FOR MORALITY, ETHICS, OR TRUTH.
“While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.” —Matthew 28:11-15
THIS CONSPIRACY INADVERTENTLY GAVE US ONE OF OUR STRONGEST VALIDATIONS FOR THE TRUSTWORTHINESS OF THE RESURRECTION: EYEWITNESSES WHO WERE WILLING TO DIE FOR WHAT THEY SAW.
“We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” 33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.” —Acts 5:28b–32
RESURRECTION CHANGES EVERYTHING. WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU?
• Receive Jesus’ offer of eternal life by confessing your sins, calling on His Name, and committing to Him through baptism
• Dig deeper by engaging with all the messages of the Examining Easter series
• Collaborate with other truth-seekers by joining a Life Group
o INVESTIGATE: “I don’t have Enough Faith to be an Atheist” on Tuesday Nights
o UNDERSTAND & APPLY: “Uncommon Men/Women” on Thursday Nights
How do I give to 1MSO?
The people of One Missoula Church give tangible resources back to God in order to suffocate greed in our own lives and amplify the impact of the Gospel in the lives of others. We’ve removed every barrier and inconvenience to make this sacrificial act as accessible and simple as possible. At present, here are the avenues for this act of devotion:
- Sunday Morning – offering boxes on the communion tables at the back
- Snail Mail – postage-paid envelopes available
- Text “1MSO” to 406-631-3323
- Online at https://onemissoulachurch.com/give
- Via the One Missoula App under the “Giving” tab
