True and Useful

3/31/2024

We are constantly inundated with information. To manage this persistent flow, many people ask two simple questions: Is it true, and is it useful? Join us on Easter Sunday as we consider the claim that God raised Jesus from the dead by answering those two questions. Is it true? And is it useful?

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Passage

John 20:19-31

Is it True?

Is it Useful?

Four benefits of the Resurrection (John 20:21-23):

##Peace##, ##Purpose##, ##Power##, ##Pardon##

Other benefits:

Practice

##Believe## in ##Jesus## and take another ##step## ##toward## Him today.

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

A recent study of evangelical Christians revealed that 25% of them do not believe in the literal resurrection of Jesus. What are the implications for the church if the survey is accurate?

HEAR

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-8

What is Paul’s reminder to the Corinthians? Can you remember when you first heard the Gospel? Can you recall when you accepted it as true?
What does Paul identify “as of first importance”?
What evidence does Paul offer for the resurrection? Is Paul’s evidence still helpful today? Why or why not?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

What argument or controversy is Paul addressing in this passage?
Based on Paul’s words, how important is belief in Jesus’ resurrection?
Based on Paul’s logic, what reason would anyone have to believe in or follow the teachings of Jesus if they do not accept that He was raised from the dead?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-26

What does Paul say must be true if, in fact, Jesus has been raised from the dead?
How important is the resurrection to you personally?
How might understanding this one essential element of the Gospel (the resurrection of Jesus) help you read, understand, and interpret the entire Bible?

HUDDLE

Do you believe in the literal resurrection of Jesus? If so, what difference should it make in your life? If you do not believe in the literal resurrection of Jesus, why are you interested in anything else Jesus did or taught? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Reading

This week’s readings focus on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. As you read, remember that if you follow Jesus, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in you!

Day 1: John 20
Day 2: John 21
Day 3: Isaiah 53
Day 4: Romans 5
Day 5: Romans 10
Day 6: 1 Corinthians 15
Day 7: 1 Peter 1

Think Deeper

Is everything true also useful? Is everything useful also true?
What difference does it make to believe that the resurrection is true and useful?
Do you find the resurrection of Jesus true and useful? Explain.