Reference

Luke 24:1-12
The Gift of Easter

What if there was no empty tomb and only an empty cross? Would it matter? Is Easter just the “happily ever after” at the end of a heartwarming story? Find out on Sunday why the Bible insists that our whole faith today hinges on the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Come celebrate Easter morning with us as we uncover “The Gift of Easter.”

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MESSAGE STUDY NOTES (also as PDF download above)
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WARM UP
What are your family traditions around Easter (if any)?

READ
Romans 8:11; II Corinthians 1:8-10, 4:16-18; I Peter 1:3

KEY INSIGHTS
Things to consider:
1. Easter allows us to endure suffering
2. Easter allow us to find peace
3. Easter allows us to live with anticipation

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. How would the message of Christ be different with the cross, but without the resurrection?
2. How would daily life be different with just the cross and no resurrection? 
 
APPLICATION
Read II Corinthians 1:8-10. Why do you think Paul mentioned the resurrection in this confession of pain? 
 
FOR MENTORING
How do you think a follower of Jesus can “live with great expectation” in the way Peter describes? (I Peter 1:3)