MESSAGE NOTES, 4/20/25
The reality is—we all have stuff. Stuff we carry quietly, things we are working out with others, and challenges we wish would just go away. Death, disease, depression, disappointment, dependence, and even demons—these are the real struggles that weigh us down. But we don’t have to face them alone. In this series, we’ll explore each of these challenging topics and see how Jesus meets us with His peace and power to get through. This week, on Easter Sunday, our focus is on facing death.
CONNECT
- What’s something you believed as a kid that turned out to be a little silly? (e.g. you thought the moon followed your car or that gum remained in your stomach for seven years) Sometimes what we believe turns out to be a misunderstanding—but other times, the most unbelievable thing turns out to be wonderfully true.
REFLECT
- Read John 20:19. Jesus didn’t burst from the grave with a “Ta-da!”—He came to His friends with peace. This moment is tender, not flashy. The empty tomb is powerful not because of what’s missing, but because of Who is now present and what He has to offer us. Consider other times He promised peace (e.g. Luke 7:50, John 14:27, John 16:33). Why do you think this is one of His primary things He provides for others?
- Death feels final, but Scripture insists it’s not. In Christ, death is not a wall but a door. It’s still hard, it still hurts—but it no longer has the last word. Jesus defeats death. Read John 11:25, 1 Corinthians 15:22, and 1 Thessalonians 4:14. What concerns or fears do you have about death? Which of these verses helps you to view death differently, and why?
- Jesus defeating death provides us with a promise of peace and the same power of His resurrection. Read Ephesians 1:19-20. How have you seen that power work in you to help you do and think things you never would’ve on your own?
- Jesus is the firstfruits—meaning His resurrection is the first of many. Like the first flower of spring, He points to a whole field of life to come. His resurrection is the proof that ours will follow. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:23, “But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when He comes, those who belong to Him.” When Jesus rose on the very day of the Jewish Feast of Firstfruits, He became the first sign of a greater harvest—including you! When you read that Christ is the firstfruits, how do you feel about being part of the vast resurrection history that came after Jesus?
- Read through the Power of the Resurrection (see below). What lines speak to you most? What more would you add to it? What part do you want to experience more?
- What do you want to say to God (Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield) in silent or written prayer in response to what you have reflected on regarding the resurrection of Jesus?
YIELDING PRAYER
Jesus, help me believe in your resurrection more and more, for I need your peace and power in my life. Amen.
THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION
Without the resurrection, life is without lasting hope.
Death speaks the final word.
Love fades, peace is lost, forgiveness is fleeting, and purpose is unclear.
Sin holds power, and faith is empty.
Suffering is meaningless
If Christ did not rise, we remain in darkness, and the promise of Jesus is broken.
With the resurrection, life is full of lasting hope.
Death does not speak the final word.
Love remains, peace is found, forgiveness brings freedom, and purpose is restored.
Sin loses power, and faith is alive.
Suffering is recycled
Because Christ is risen, we walk in light, and the promise of Jesus is fulfilled.