The Bridge Church

“I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren't true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world-and they couldn't keep a lie for three weeks. You're telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible.”

- Charles Colson

MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390

I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Dig Deeper:
1. Next week, we’ll continue with our new series called Life’s Biggest Questions. Have you ever searched for answers to important questions? If so, what was the outcome?
2. For Easter, the big question we’re looking at is, “Did Jesus rise from the dead?” Why is this question a big one, and one that everyone must answer at some point?
3. Read 1 Corinthians 15:12. Who are the “some of you” that Paul is referring to? Why might they be asking this question? Is it surprising to you that they are questioning this? Why or why not?
4. Paul uses the phrase “reductio ad absurdum” or “reduction to absurdity.” In your own words, describe what this means.
5. Read 1 Corinthians 15:13-14. Explain how both our “proclamation” as well as our “faith” is in vain if Christ has not been raised. Identify what this looks like in your own faith journey. What part of your life would be considered “in vain”?
6. Read 1 Corinthians 15:15-16. What does “moreover” mean? What is the difference between being “in vain” and having “testified wrongly”? How are both important yet distinct?
7. What are some of the many beliefs about Jesus’s death and resurrection? Where do these theories originate from?
8. Read Acts 2:32 and 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. Who saw Jesus alive after His death?
9. What does Paul mean when he said, “as to the one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me”? How is Paul’s encounter with Jesus different than others?
10. Did the apostles fully understand everything that was happening when Jesus was alive and with them before His death? What about after his resurrection? Why were they willing to be persecuted for their faith in Jesus?
11. Read 1 Corinthians 15:17. What does it feel like to be “in your sins”? Is there a time in your life when you had not yet surrendered to Jesus, and you were "in your sins"? How was that experience different than after you surrendered to Jesus?
12. Read 1 Corinthians 15:18-19. Why should we be pitied more than anyone if we have put our hope in Christ for this life only?
13. Read Luke 24:5-6 and 1 Corinthians 15:20. Complete this statement: “Because of the resurrection…”
14. Seeing a life changed is conclusive proof for the resurrection. Describe a life change story you’ve witnessed or experienced personally.
15. What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus?
16. If someone were to ask you “Did Jesus really rise from the dead,” which piece of evidence would you use first to explain that He did? Why?
17. Describe in your own words what Easter means to you.

Live It Out:

Romans 10:9: If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Because Jesus rose from the dead, our faith is real, our sins are forgiven, our eternity is secure, and our lives have purpose. It is only through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we can be forgiven of our sin and have hope for eternal life! Have you experienced Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Can you go back to a time in your life where your life changed from following your own way; where you repented and began to follow Jesus? Knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus are two different things. It is not enough to know facts about Jesus. It is not enough to believe that He exists. Knowing Jesus means you have surrendered your life to follow Him. Today, you can begin your relationship with Him. Pray: “Lord Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for my sin. Thank you for conquering death. I believe that you lived, died, and rose again. I can’t save myself. I repent of my sin, and I believe in You.”

Reading Plan:
Monday: 1 Corinthians 15:12
Tuesday: 1 Corinthians 15:13-14
Wednesday: 1 Corinthians 15:15-16, Acts 2:32
Thursday: 1 Corinthians 15:7-8
Friday: 1 Corinthians 15:17-19, Luke 24:5-7
Saturday: 1 Corinthians 15:20, Romans 10:9