March 30-31, 2013

Lesson Outline:

Easter 2013

[3] "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for

our sins according to the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures..." -1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (p. 801)

Why I believe Jesus was RAISED...

1. The resurrection didn't fit the script of anyone but Jesus.

"...Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the

law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."

-Matthew 16:21 (p. 687)

2. Thousands of people changed their beliefs instantly.

[4] "...That he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the

Scriptures, [5] and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. [6] After

that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. [7] Then

he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, [8] and last of all he appeared to me

also..." -1 Corinthians 15:4-8 (p. 801)

[31] "Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he

was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. [32] God

has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it... [37] When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles,

'Brothers, what shall we do?' [38] Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one

of you...’" -Acts 2:31-32, 37-38 (p. 759)

"Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a

man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the

truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal

men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first

did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things con-

cerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this

day." -Josephus, Antiquities, Book 18, Ch. 3

3. His resurrection is still empowering people today.

"...if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who

raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his

Spirit who lives in you." -Romans 8:11 (p. 786)

How to use Talk Sheets: Talk Sheets are designed to go along with the weekend lesson. You can use this guide on your own, with your family, or as a CARE Group. Keep in mind we study not so that we will “know” more, but so that we will “become” more like Christ. Downloadable copies can be found at www.newhopechurch.tv. Below are several tips to help you get started. 1. Begin your preparation with prayer: Ask God to help you understand the passage and apply it to your life. 2. Get familiar with the study: On your own, read the Bible passages and answer the questions. The more familiar you are with the material the easier it will be to lead discussion with a group. A good modern translation of the Bible, such as the New International Version with study notes, will give you the most help. 3. Guide discussion: As a group, talk through discussion questions one at a time. Be careful not to dominate the discussion or give all the answers. Instead, wait on group members to answer. Getting people talking is the key to a good discussion.

4. Thank people for sharing: Give group members your attention as they speak and tell them how much you appreciate their input.

5. Get input from more than one person: Feel free to ask the same question to more than one person.

6. Move for application: Discussions are designed to last 30-45 minutes. Be sure to end every study by asking, “What difference will this make in your life this week?”

Discussion Guide: Open: What Easter tradition(s) have become meaningful to you and or your family?

Explore: Take time to Google/Wikipedia the following facts:

1. Who is Muhammad and what is he known for? In what year did he die and

where is he buried?

2. Who is Confucius and what is he known for? In what year did he die and where

is he buried?

3. Who is Gautama Buddha and what is he known for? In what year did he die

and where is he buried?

4. Who is Jesus and what is he known for? In what year did he die and where is he

buried?

Reflect: Review key points from the lesson before answering the questions.

1. According to research, 67% of people in America view Easter as a religious

holiday, but only 25% connect the holiday to the resurrection of Christ. What other

reasons might people give for the meaning of Easter?

2. Jesus came knowing that He would die and be raised to life. Why do you think

this never really made sense to the disciples? Do you think the resurrection is a hard

for people to grasp today? Why or why not?

3. Discuss what you believe the disciples were thinking / feeling the moment Jesus

was buried in the tomb? What impact did the appearance of Christ three days later

make on His followers? ...on the world?

4. The resurrection of Christ is still significant to this day. In what way have you

experienced the power of the resurrection in your own life? a) I have hope for the

future, b) I have purpose in the present, c) I am free from the guilt of my past, or

d) other. Explain.

5. Based on what you have heard and discussed today, what is one lesson / idea

you can take home with you? What could you say to someone who wanted to

know more about the true meaning of Easter?

Apply: Next steps.

As a Group: Easter is a time to remember the resurrection. Why not take

communion together as a way to celebrate the new life we have in Christ? Go to

newhopecaregroups.com and click on the “Top 10 Tips” for leaders button in the

menu bar. Look for tip #10.

On your own: Easter is full of traditions (hunting eggs, lunch with family, dressing

up for church). What new traditions can you start that will help you to remember

the true meaning of Easter?