PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Leader: If Jesus really has done it—if he truly is risen—it means the story of the world according to Mark is all true. Jesus really is the Son of God, the true and perfect King; he came to earth to die on the cross for us; and by trusting in what he has done there, we are spared from eternal judgment and ushered into the presence of God for all eternity. In the Gospel of John, Jesus puts it this way:
Men: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26, NIV)
Leader: His death means no death for us. His resurrection means our resurrection.
Women: For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
(1 Thessalonians 4:14, NIV)
Leader: But if Jesus is not risen, then the story of the world that Mark has been telling is just fiction. Paul makes this very clear:
Men: If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.
Women: More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.
All: For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
(1 Corinthians 15:13-19, NIV)
Leader: The truth of the resurrection is of supreme and eternal importance. It is the hinge upon which the story of the world pivots.
Passing the Peace
of Christ
Message:
"He Has Done it!"
Lord, I will lift mine eyes to the hills
Knowing my help is coming from You
Your peace, You give me in time of the storm
You are the source of my strength
You are the strength of my life
I lift my hands in total praise to you
You are the source of my strength
You are the strength of my life
I lift my hands in total praise to you
Amen
