You are not expected to cover every detail of this Pulpit Curriculum, rather, consider it a resource to help you in guiding your group to a deeper understanding of the Word and to gain richer profit from the Word’s application to life. Lifegroup leaders may find it beneficial to select 3 to 6 questions that will make the time most productive. Remember, there is great benefit to group members whose hunger to grow will stimulate their returning, on their own at a later time, so as to understand and apply it further.

Introduction: Has the resurrection of the Lord rocked your world? It is the most well established event in history because so many have sought to question its veracity. Has that proven fact impacted your life? This week’s message challenged us to move beyond the fact of the risen Savior to the practice of the risen life.

1. Risen Friend v. 1Our raised life is experienced because He is risen. In Col. 2:12 we learn that the risen life comes through faith. His followers lived in its power. We examined 3 proofs of the reality that He is risen. One is the fact that the disciples had no fear. Compare their attitude in Matt. 26:69-75 with what was happening in Acts 2:14. Even the half brother of Jesus stepped out fearlessly, led the Jerusalem church and wrote the first epistle of the New Testament. Ten of the disciples died as martyrs because of their confident faith in the risen Savior. What has the risen Lord done to your fears?The disciples had no doubt because He appeared to them in person 1 Cor. 15:5,6. Another proof is the fact that there were no bones found. He walked among them and proved that He rose. He is now seated at the right hand of God, potentate, judge and creator. More than that do you realize that He is your Friend, if you know Him as your Savior.

2. Raised Eyes v. 2The command we are given is to seek what is above and to set our minds on the things above. Why is this so important to the health of our faith walk? What are the things that turn our attention downward? Do you understand that a healthy soul cannot be focused primarily on the here and now? The believer has been redeemed from the lure of the mundane. But has this world captured you? The world cannot satisfy but Jesus alone can.

3. Reborn Life v. 3What does the phrase ‘you are dead’ mean in verse 3? This phrase speaks of a spiritual death. For the believer there is a life that has been eliminated by the power of God’s saving power. Have you been redeemed, rescued from your former life? This is repentance. Because He paid for your sin you can die to the enemy of your soul. The word hidden with Christ describes our being dead to the power of sin. Yet we have the choice, to choose sin or the Savior.“The only thing that Christianity cannot be is marginal” C. S. Lewis. How does that apply to us? God calls us to choose a life that honors Him as first in every way. Is that you? Is your faith real or are you a Sunday Christian? How real is your Christianity?

4. Revealed Glory v. 4Are you risen in Christ? The day will come when He will return again in glory. Will you experience His glory? When He comes there is a great Marriage Supper planned for those who know Him by faith. Will you be on the guest list? Do you know Him?

Pulpit Curriculum

The Power of Christ’s Resurrection Life Col. 3:1-4

by Pastor Kurt Gebhards

Mutual Ministry Moment: “The only thing that Christianity cannot be is marginal”. What are the things that cause your faith to become marginal? What distracts you from a committed walk? Riches, relationships, fear of what people think, willfulness? Pastor Kurt urged us to take seriously the radical call to a risen life. Talk together about the ways that you miss the mark in living such a life. Identify the root of that and ask for Biblical resources from the group that might minister to your heart and strengthen your commitment. Be sure to pray for God to help you.

Pray for the call to complete surrender in your life. Pray each other to grasp the concept of a risen life. Pray for the fruit from our service last Sunday to make a difference in the lives of guests and church family. The “Intercessory Prayer” groups during our worship services 04/15/12: 1st hour – Robb2nd hour – S. Sherrill3rd hour – D. Lehman

The Proven Record of the ResurrectionCentral to Christian faith is the bodily resurrection of Jesus. By recording the resurrection appearances, the New Testament leaves no doubt about this event. Read the accounts and grow confident in the proven nature of the record of Jesus’ resurrection.

• In or around Jerusalem

To Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18)

To the other women (Matt. 28:8-10)

To Peter (Luke 24:34)

To ten disciples (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25)

To the Eleven, including Thomas (John 20:26-29)

To the apostles at the sea of Tiberias (John 21:1)

At His ascension (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:4-12)

• To the disciples on the Emmaus road (Luke 24:13-35)

• In Galilee (Matt. 28:16-20; John 21:1-24)

• To five hundred people (1 Cor. 15:6)

• To James and the apostles (1 Cor. 15:6)

• To Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-6; 18:9,10; 22:1-8; 23:11; 26:12-18; 1 Cor. 15:8)

Going Deeper