Weekly Reading

Questions for discussion/reflection

  1. Is the study of Christian history necessary for the modern church? Why or why not?
  2. Could the empty tomb have been explained by something other than the resurrection (e.g., body theft, a mistaken burial, or a wrong tomb)? If so, what examples can you think of?
  3. How do the reported appearances of Jesus to his followers post-crucifixion (such as in 1 Corinthians 15) support the idea of the resurrection?
  4. What role does the resurrection play in the ongoing conversation about the relationship between history and theology?
  5. Why is the New Testament a reliable source of truth?
 

Weekly reading

New Testament accounts of the resurrection:
  • Matt. 28:1-10
  • Mark 16:1-8
  • Luke 24:1-12
  • John 20:1-10

Questions for discussion/reflection:

  1. Why do you think some people in the Corinthian church were denying the resurrection of the dead?
  2. What are the implications Paul lays out if Christ has not been raised? Which one of these implications stands out to you the most, and why?
  3. In verse 14, Paul says that if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching and faith are “in vain.” What do you think he means by “in vain?”
  4. What would your faith look like if the resurrection wasn’t real?
  5. How might these verses impact how we talk about or understand the gospel message today?

Readings:

  • John 11:25-26
  • Romans 6:8-11
  • Philippians 2:8-11
  • Revelation 1:5-6