The Living Proof of the Resurrection

Sermon Notes April 8, 2018 Matthew 12:38-42/Luke 11:29-32 Short Review Review the main points of the morning message. Some Questions: Focus on: What are the signs which point to Jesus being true and trustworthy for each of us? 1. Look at the resurrection of Jesus from the point of view of someone who is unchurched: what are the obstacles to belief he or she confronts? 2. How important is the resurrection of Jesus for your faith? 3. If someone asked you, “Why do you believe that the resurrection of Jesus really happened?” how would you answer? 4. What is the “sign of Jonah” in our text and in the Luke text? [This could end up being a long discussion. Best to suggest that the texts point to both the resurrection and the ‘resurrection power’ behind the gospel being able to reach nations as aspects of the sign.] 5. Let’s put our heads together and see if we can sketch the progress of “Christianity” – the growth in the number of disciples of Jesus – from Galilee, through the Gospels, Acts and subsequent history to our day. 6. Read I Corinthians 1:18-25. a. How did the various groups (Greeks, Jews, others) view the gospel? Why? b. To whom would the gospel today sound like “foolishness?” c. To whom would it be a “stumbling block?” d. How do our unbelieving friends view the simplicity of the gospel? 7. Read Romans 1:16 – discuss how this “power” is related to (and evidence of) the resurrected Christ? 8. How does the reality of Christ at work now, this sign of Jonah, energize your prayers and your witness?