RESURRECTION: If I die before I wake
We’re intrigued – if not terrified – by the subject of life and death. And if you’re like most people, the resurrection of Jesus leaves you with just a few little questions. We WANT to believe – to discover how this one incredible event might point the way forward into a greater, more beautiful and powerful life. This week our time in the scriptures will focus on resurrection and life after death.
Monday: Read Daniel 12
This is the first time the idea of resurrection is blatantly mentioned in the Bible. It is hinted at in other places, but it is very clear here. How does this differ from what is commonly thought of life after death? What questions does this raise for you? Spend some time this week researching those questions on your own.
Tuesday: Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
1 Corinthians 15 is the longest discussion on life after death in the Bible. We are going to spend the next couple of days there. Why does Paul refer to those who have died as being asleep? According to this passage how central is the resurrection to the Christian faith? Why is it so important?
Wednesday: Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-34
Why would some say that there is no resurrection from the dead? Why is it so hard to believe? What do people tend to believe in today? According to Paul in this passage why does the resurrection matter so much?
Thursday: Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-49
According to Paul will the resurrected body be the exact same as the one we have now, or will it be different? Explain. Whose image will we be remade into? How does knowing this bring you hope and encouragement for today?
Friday: Read 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
The words “flesh and blood” can be confusing for people because it seems that they contradict what Paul has been saying all throughout the chapter so far—that there will be a bodily resurrection when Christ returns. Typically when Paul uses the term flesh he is speaking of the corrupted nature of the world and our bodies right now. How does that help to shed light on things? Would you expect a discussion about life after death to end the way that this one does? Explain.
Saturday: Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11
What does this passage have to say about life after death? What are some of the similarities you notice between this passage and others that we have read? How does this passage encourage you? How does it challenge you?
Sunday: Read Revelation 21:1-8 and 22:1-5
These are the promises that we have about how the story ends. How do these promises bring you comfort? How would truly and completely trusting in these promises change the way you live right now?