So What?
April 5, 2026
Easter is more than just a tradition or a sentimental story — it is based on the bold claim that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. If that claim is false, Christianity collapses; but if it is true, it changes everything. In So What?, we’ll explore how the resurrection is not just proof that Jesus lives, but also power for how you live — transforming your identity, freeing you from striving to earn God’s approval, restoring what is broken, and inviting you into a life filled with purpose and the transforming presence of God. Join us this Easter and discover what it could mean for you to truly live in the power of the resurrection.
Passage
Seven Reasons Jesus’ Resurrection Matters:
- Your ##Past## Does Not ##Define## You. (Ephesians 2:1-5)
- You ##Belong## Before You ##Become##. (Ephesians 2:6-7)
- You Don’t Have to ##Earn## God’s ##Approval##. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- Your ##Life## Has ##Purpose##. (Ephesians 2:10)
- You have been ##Included##. (Ephesians 2:11-13, 19)
- ##Peace## Is Stronger than ##Hate##. (Ephesians 2:14-17)
- God Has Made His ##Home## with ##You## (Ephesians 2:18-22)
Principle
Because Jesus walked out of the ##grave##, you can walk into a ##new## ##life##.
Practice
##Believe!##
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or with your family, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
What is one thing in your life that has completely changed the way you see everything else?
SEVEN REASONS THE RESURRECTION MATTERS
- Your Past Does Not Define You (Read 2 Corinthians 5:17)
- What does Paul mean by “new creation”?
- Is there something in your past that still feels like it defines you? What would it look like to let resurrection truth redefine that story?
- You Belong Before You Become (Read Romans 8:1-2, 15-17)
- What does it mean that there is “no condemnation” for those in Christ?
- Where are you still trying to earn what God has already declared true about you?
- You Don’t Have to Earn God’s Approval (Read Titus 3:4-7)
- According to this passage, what is the basis of salvation?
- In what areas of your life do you most feel pressure to perform? How does grace change that?
- Your Life Has Purpose (Read Matthew 28:18-20)
- How does Jesus’ resurrection authority connect to the mission He gives His followers?
- Where might God be inviting you to live more intentionally on mission in your daily life?
- You Have Been Included (Read Galatians 3:26-28)
- What barriers does Paul say are broken down in Christ?
- Is there anyone you struggle to see as a brother or sister in Christ? What would resurrection-shaped belonging look like in that relationship?
- Peace is Stronger Than Hate (Read Colossians 1:18-22)
- How does the resurrection establish Jesus’ authority to reconcile “all things”?
- Where do you need to pursue reconciliation or release bitterness in light of Christ’s reconciling work?
- God Has Made His Home with You (Read John 14:16-23)
- What does Jesus promise about God’s presence with His people?
- What would change this week if you truly lived aware that God’s presence is with you in every moment?
Daily Reading
Read the following passages, which describe the events of Jesus’ resurrection and the impact it has on believers. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you into living in the power of the Resurrection.
- Day 1: Luke 24
- Day 2: John 20
- Day 3: John 21
- Day 4: Ephesians 2:1-10
- Day 5: Ephesians 2:11-22
- Day 6: Romans 8
- Day 7: 1 Corinthians 15
Passage to Memorize: Ephesians 2:8-9
Think Deeper
- When you think of Easter, do you think more about tradition … or transformation? Why?
- Which of the seven resurrection realities in Ephesians 2 do you find hardest to believe about yourself?
- What difference would it make if you truly believed that Jesus rose from the dead?
Suggested Resources
A Case for Easter, by Lee Strobel
No Wonder They Call Him Savior, by Max Lucado
Surprised by Hope, by N.T. Wright
The Jesus I Never Knew, by Philip Yancey
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.