He Is Risen
Recognizing Jesus
April 7, 2024 • Trent Casto • Luke 24:13–35
Today we continue to explore how the disciples went from not believing to believing that Jesus rose from the dead. Join us to see how the resurrection makes the difference between “nevermore" and “evermore." Sermon Outline: I. Walking with Jesus II. Learning from Jesus III. Recognizing Jesus Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. The disciples did not recognize Jesus at first, even though they had spent years with him. What do you think could have caused this? Why do you think God wanted them to hear what Jesus had to teach them before recognizing him? 2. The Old Testament points to Jesus throughout. What are some specific ways we see Jesus foreshadowed or anticipated in the Old Testament Scriptures? How does understanding this deeper connection between the Old and New Testaments strengthen your faith? 3. We learned about the significance of Jesus taking, blessing, breaking, and giving the bread, and how the disciples recognized him in this act. What parallels do you see between this and the way Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper? How does participating in the Lord’s Supper help us recognize and connect with Jesus today? 4. We heard about the feelings of “nevermore” and “evermore”—how does the resurrection of Jesus change our perspective on loss, grief, and the future? 5. Have you experienced anything similar to the disciples experienced when their hearts burned within them as Jesus taught them? Whether you are a Christian or not today, what might it mean for you to invite Jesus to come in and reveal himself to you?
Great Joy
April 14, 2024 • Chuck Betters • Luke 24:36–53
The Gospel of Luke begins and ends with worship reflecting the “great joy” that entered the world through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This great joy, distinct from mere happiness, becomes accessible to us when we receive the gift of faith in Jesus Christ. Sermon Outline: I. The source material of great joy are the things of Jesus. II. Great joy marvels at the work of Jesus. III. Great joy is seeing that all the Scriptures point to Jesus. IV. Great joy leads to continual worship of Jesus. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. How do you distinguish between happiness and joy? Have you ever known a person who exuded great joy? What were some of their unique characteristics? 2. John Calvin wrote that we are all partly unbelievers until we die and see Jesus. When you have gone through seasons or moments of disbelief or doubt what was it that helped your faith strengthen? 3. Do you still find yourself in awe of Jesus and His work in your life? If so, how do you cultivate that sense of wonder? 4. Can you think of examples in your life when you “disbelieved for joy”? 5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus throughout Scripture. How can we deepen our understanding of how the entire Bible points to Jesus? Are there specific passages or stories that have helped you see Jesus more clearly in Scripture? 6. If you were to share your faith with a non-believer what proofs of the resurrection would you use to help convince them that Jesus is alive? 7. The Gospel of Luke concludes in the same way that it opened: with great joy through worship. How does the knowledge of Jesus' resurrection impact your worship? In what ways can we foster a spirit of worship characterized by great joy in our lives?
Easter
March 31, 2024 • Trent Casto • Luke 24:1–12
The effectiveness of Jesus’ death on the cross only stands if Jesus was raised from the dead. The eyewitnesses say he is risen. But are they credible witnesses? Join us to see how their initial response of unbelief provides more support for our belief. Sermon Outline: I. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was unexpected, even though it had been predicted. II. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was not initially believed, even though it was reported by reliable eyewitnesses. Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. Where do you personally fall on the spectrum of skepticism/belief regarding Jesus' resurrection? What factors contribute to your perspective? 2. The two main points highlight how the resurrection was unexpected and initially not believed, even by Jesus’ closest followers. Why do you think the disciples struggled to accept the resurrection reports at first? 3. Peter’s reaction models for us a willingness to “go and look” at the evidence for ourselves. What experiences or influences have shaped your journey of examining the resurrection accounts? What questions still remain for you? 4. For those who do believe in the resurrection, how does this truth impact your daily life? In what ways have you experienced the joy and hope the sermon describes?