Title: The Risen Savior

Icebreaker:

• What is your earliest, or favorite, Easter memory?

Commentary

Easter is an opportunity for us to reflect on the sacrifice and victory of Christ.

1. Only a risen Savior can save a dying world.

 Read 1 Corinthians 15:17

Commentary

• There is scientific and historical evidence that proves that Jesus of Nazareth died on a cross and rose from the grave.
• While our faith is built on Scripture, this additional proof further supports what we know - our Redeemer lives.
• This proof of life is what distinguishes Christianity from other world religions.

Discussion Questions

• What makes Jesus different from the leaders of other religions (Buddha, Mohamed, etc.)?
• What does it mean for us to know that the resurrection is real and Christ is alive? How does this influence the way that we live?

2. My past is forgiven.

Read Matthew 26:28, 1 John 1:7, Romans 6:14

Commentary

• There are benefits that come with serving the risen King, one being forgiveness of our sins.
• We deserve death and separation from God, these are the consequences of sin, but Jesus paid this penalty for us.
• We identify with Christ and embrace the work of the cross to walk forward in this new life of grace, leaving the past behind us.

Discussion Questions

• Why wasn't the Old Testament law enough to change human nature and redeem us from sin?
• While we have the blood of Jesus to redeem us, do we still have to obey the law?

3. Our future is secure.

Read 1 Peter 1:3, Hebrews 6:19

Commentary

The cross not only symbolizes forgiveness of past sins, but security that we have in Christ for the future.

• We are all born with a purpose to fulfill on this earth, beyond just achieving career success, but a role to play in seeing heaven come to the earth.
• When we know the purpose that we were created for it strengthens our endurance as we face difficulties in this life.

Discussion Questions

• Why do ships need anchors?
• What do we have that helps to anchor our lives? How do we reconnect to that anchor if we find ourselves drifting?

4. He gives us faith for the present.

Read John 20:19-22, John 21:14

Commentary

Jesus didn't come only to redeem our past and give us hope for the future, he came to give us peace today.

• We live at a time when anxiety is at an all-time high, the world seems chaotic, but Jesus offers us peace in the midst of our mental/emotional turmoil.
• When we take our place of purpose in Christ we can rest assured that he will give us peace, power, and all that we need for the seasons we will face.

Discussion Questions

• What does this peace that Jesus brings look or sound like, practically, when battling stress and anxiety?

UPCOMING EVENTS + REMINDERS:

New Members' Welcome Party:

If you’ve recently become a member of City Church – or if you’d like to officially join the church, then please come to the New Members’ Welcome Party to be held on Sunday, April 12 following service in our Tuscany Room. Please reach out to your district pastor for more details.

REPORT:

Please continue to report your in-person and virtual group meetings!

By using the same email address at which you would normally receive report reminders, you may update your group information and report your weekly meetings.

If you need help with reporting, please contact your district pastor.

Have an amazing and Spirit-filled group!