“Nothing Matters”

Simple Truths Series Lesson 4

Sermon Notes

April 20, 2025

I. The Reality of the Resurrection…

A. The bodily resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone event of the Christian faith!

B. The simple truth is

matters!

1. On that first Easter morning, no one expected no

!

C. The bodily resurrection of Jesus is a hard truth for some to embrace because they believe it is inconsistent with science. Professor of Nuclear Science & Engineering at MIT, Dr. Ian Hutchinson maintains that “Science cannot and does not disprove the resurrection. The assumption that science has shown the resurrection to be impossible is an intellectual copout. Science shows no such thing.”

D. Why was there nothing where everyone knew there was once something?

1. Some say the

of Jesus stole the body…

2. Some suggest the

of Jesus stole the body…

3. Some argue that Jesus never actually

.

E. Just weeks after he was buried, thousands of Jews started

Jesus! If you don’t think the bodily resurrection really happened, why would you be a Christian? (I Corinthians 15:14)

F. If death has surrendered to Jesus, don’t

need to do the same?

G. Discussion Questions for Life Groups & Families: Consider the following questions as you reflect on the reality of the resurrection: a) Put yourself in the place of the women, Peter, & John on that first Easter morning. When you looked inside the tomb and saw nothing but strips of linen cloth lying there, what would you have thought? What feelings would that experience have triggered in you? b) Think about the people you know who don’t believe in Jesus or His resurrection. What are some reasons why they don’t believe? c) In what ways is the resurrection of Jesus the cornerstone event of the Christian faith? In other words, why does it matter so much?

II. Why Nothing Matters…

A. Easter says we have nothing to

!

1. God knows about our sins and He has always had an answer for our sin problem. We call it the

   Reveal Answer
   ! (I Corinthians 15:3-4)

2. The unoccupied tomb on Sunday only matters because the

   Reveal Answer
   was occupied on Friday! (Philippians 2:7-8)

3. The reason why Jesus can offer you a future is because He has dealt with your

   Reveal Answer
   ! (Romans 6:23)

4. Discussion Questions for Life Groups & Families: Consider the following questions as you reflect on the pattern of “hiding” from God and from others: a) The pattern of “hiding” began early as Adam and Eve tried to hide from God in the garden. What are some reasons why people try to hide from God and from other people? b) When people try to hide or keep secrets from others, what are some of the possible consequences of that pattern of behavior? c) How does the gospel change our tendency to hide our sins and mistakes? d) Describe a time in your life when you came to understand and embrace the gospel in both your heart and mind. Who do you need to share that experience with?

B. Easter says we have nothing to

!

1. Life is hard and we all have our pain, our struggles, and our sufferings.

2. However, nothing can keep us in a place of constant fear because we have leverage over our suffering since the tomb is

! (Romans 8:18)

3. The empty tomb calls us to

God in the midst of our pain, uncertainty, and suffering. (John 14:1-2)

4. The empty tomb reminds us just how

God is!

5. And the Cross reminds us of just how much God

us! (John 3:16; I John4:18)

6. Easter is more than a day. Easter is the way we

every day!
(Romans 8:34-39)

7. Discussion Questions for Life Groups & Families: Consider the following questions as you reflect on the fears that impact your life: a) Think about some of the challenges, problems, or struggles that are impacting your life at this time. How do these things trigger fear in your life? b) How does the empty tomb and the resurrection of Jesus help counter or defeat those fears?