09 Apr Easter Sunday 2023 | “Loved Into Resurrection Life” | All Locations

Announcements:

IMPORTANT***** Please add

Go to your email, add no-reply@churchcenter.com to your contacts (PLEASE ASK ME IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND) THANKS!

no-reply@churchcenter.com to your email contacts so that you do not miss an email from Planning Center and have your members add it as well.  This will ensure you do not miss a member request or any emails that come from the Planning Center site.

NEW ENGLAND LOCATIONS:

NEW****ABUNDANT HOPE BASKET DRIVE FOR THE UPCOMING ABUNDANT HOPE FUNDRAISER:

You should have received an email with full details but below is a brief summary:

THE ASK:

• We are asking each Life Group to consider putting together a basket for the raffle with a value between $50-$100.
• We are asking that if anyone has a larger gift they are in the position to donate for the Silent Auction such as event tickets, timeshares, boat excursions, jewelry, artwork, golf packages, etc. that they would contact Kelly Botelho directly at 774-526-4461 or kelly@waterschurch.org

BASKET DUE DATE:

• April 30, 2023
• Please drop off the baskets at any Waters New England Location

All announcements and the Waters Event Calendar can be found at:  waterschurch.org/events

(*NEW SEASON STARTING) Alpha:
  ◦    Alpha spring series kicks off Thursday, April 27!  Alpha at Waters is a 9 week series of conversations for people seeking to learn more about God, those on the fence about faith, or questioning what religion has to do with it all.  The purpose is to meet people where they are in a non-threatening environment while enjoying a meal and guided conversation.  Please invite your non-believing friends, co-workers and family members!  Sign up today @ waterschurch.org/alpha (https://waterschurch.org/alpha)

Location Text Alerts:

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Key Verse: John 20

Ice-breaker:

Q. What testimony can you share regarding this past weekend (those you invited to attend Egg Drop/Church services)?

John 20:1-3 (ESV)

There was no greater moment than this ever.  There are three key people involved in this momentous moment of history.   Mary Magdalene, who had seven demons cast out of her and was totally transformed, Simon Peter, the first to see the stone rolled away, and the other disciple whom Jesus loved. 

Many believed that this disciple, whom Jesus loved, was John.  But why would John call himself that.  First of all it sounds arrogant,  secondly he keeps referring to this disciple in the third person and thirdly, this phrase shows up only after chapter 13 not the beginning of the book.  It shows up after a particular story in the Gospel of John.  The story of Lazarus, the second most well known resurrection story in history (John 11:1-44).  A marvelous move of God takes place as Lazarus is raised back to life again.  It is a picture of what we are going to experience as Christians.  We will hear the voice of Jesus.  We have resurrection hope!

Nothing should worry us if we truly believe Jesus will raise us back to life again.

Q. What worries do you have right now could you lay down knowing you have this hope?

Resurrection MORNING  is not just about Jesus’ resurrection – it’s about the resurrection life of every person JESUS LOVES!

3 Realities of the Resurrection Life:

1. Resurrection life is CLOSE to JESUS in the midst of CONFUSION.

If we are in Christ our spirit is already raise to life.  If we desire to draw closer to Jesus, then we have resurrection life.

John 12:2 (ESV); John 13:23 (ESV)

It is likely that this is Lazarus at the Last Supper (refer to Mark 14:18-20) there is the inference that there were more people there than just the twelve and he had to clarify who they would be.

God is trying to shake people up so we realize that what Jesus said is going to happen and will happen.  This is the time to draw closer to Jesus, as Lazarus did, than ever before.  As Christians, we hate when we sin and wander.  True Christians want Jesus and want more of Him in our lives.  The darker and more confusing the world gets the more we need to walk closer to Jesus.

Psalm 23:4 (ESV)

When we are confused it is not a time to draw back, but to praise Him in the dark valleys, in the midst of despair and to know the end is written by Jesus Christ.

Q. How have you drawn closer to Jesus this past week in the midst of confusion, worry and the darkness of our world?

2. Resurrection life is CONFIDENT  when the WORLD COMES  against me.

We never think about his for Lazarus.  There was collateral damage involved with Jesus raising him from the dead.

John 12:9-11 (ESV)

They made plans to put Lazarus to death.  When we get closer to Jesus more conflict comes.  The enemy throws everything at us when we get closer to Jesus.  Sometimes following Jesus puts a target on our back.  Lazarus is not at all afraid.

John 18:15-17 (ESV)

Lazarus has no problem walking with Jesus.  He knew what the high price was.

John 19:26-27 (ESV)

You cannot scare someone who has already been raised from the dead.  We need to stop living in fear.  If we know who we are in Christ then we know we are already seated in the heavenly places with Christ Jesus.  Nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus.  That kind of confidence comes when we know we are raised with Him.

Romans 7:4 (ESV); Colossians 3:2-4 (ESV); John 2:17 (ESV)

Lazarus is a picture of what our life should be if we know we are alive in Christ.

Q. How has a recent conflict in your life has shown those around you that you are confident in your walk with Christ?

3. Resurrection life is CONVINCED on the EVIDENCE that Jesus DIED and LIVES.

We are convinced.  There is no doubt in our minds that Jesus lives.

John 20:6-8 (ESV)

Lazarus would be most excited to see another empty tomb.  Peter saw the linen cloths and did not know what that was about but the other disciple sees the same thing that was wrapped around Jesus’ body.  He saw the cloth and believed. 

Q. What thoughts might have run through your mind if you saw the empty tomb?

The Shroud of Turin has bee studied more than any other archeological find in history.  It has been determined that it is literally the burial cloth of Jesus.

History declares the POSITIVE TESTIMONY that CHRIST is ALIVE, and if you believe it, though you may die, YOU will LIVE AGAIN.