Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
What If Jesus Really Rose From the Dead?
Scripture
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
Main Idea
Christianity does not ultimately stand or fall on whether you like church or find the teachings of Jesus helpful. It rests on one claim: that Jesus really rose from the dead. Because that claim is about something that happened in history, it demands a response.
- Christianity is built on an event, not an idea: the gospel is news about what God has done, not advice about how to live.
- The resurrection is of first importance: Paul anchors the whole faith on real events and named witnesses who could still be questioned.
- The resurrection requires a response: a claim this significant is worth investigating, and nobody can stay neutral about it.
Christianity is not built on an idea. It is built on an event.
Discussion Questions
- Before this message, what did you assume Christianity ultimately stands or falls on, and how does Paul's focus on the resurrection challenge that?
- Paul points to real events, named witnesses, and over 500 people who were still alive. Why do you think he grounds the faith in history rather than in an idea?
- Pastor Justin said there is a difference between being unconvinced and being unwilling to investigate. Where in your own faith do you need to move from unwilling to willing to examine the evidence?
- If the resurrection really happened, what response is it asking of you this week, whether that is reading a Gospel, joining a group, or praying an honest prayer?
Summary
Paul reminds the Corinthian church of the message he first delivered to them: that Christ died for our sins, was buried, was raised on the third day, and appeared to many witnesses. He names real people and points out that over 500 of them were still alive and could be asked. This was no private spiritual experience but a series of events located in history, under a Roman governor named Pontius Pilate. Christianity does not ask us to believe an idea. It makes a claim about something God actually did, and everything else rests on whether Jesus truly rose from the grave. Paul even says that if Christ has not been raised, the preaching is useless and so is our faith.
If the resurrection really happened, it requires a response from each of us. There is a real difference between being unconvinced and being unwilling to investigate, and a claim this significant is too important to dismiss without examination. Jesus is worth investigating, whether by reading a Gospel, joining a church where questions are welcome, or praying an honest prayer asking God to show what is true. The good news is that Jesus really did rise. He lived a perfect life, took our punishment on the cross, and got up out of the grave so we can be forgiven and made new. The Corinthians did more than agree that it happened. They received the gospel and took their stand on it, and we are invited to do the same today.
Take Action
- Read one of the Gospels this week, starting with Mark, reading a chapter a day to see for yourself who Jesus is.
- Pray an honest prayer each morning this week, asking God to show you what is true about Jesus and His resurrection.
- Tell one person this week where you currently stand with Jesus, and ask them to help you examine the evidence honestly.
