Easter

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Easter 2018

Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 New International Version For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. ————————————— Suggested Questions: • First Corinthians was written about 25-30 years after the life of Jesus. And it was written to an early Christian community (church) in Greece that believed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The author is a man by the name of Paul. Have someone in your group read through the passage again and then pause for minute or two of silence, thinking about the following question: What words stand out to you in this passage? What idea(s) come to mind or what questions are raised for you? • Paul opens up with this intriguing statement: “The message of the cross is foolishness.” Before going any further in this verse think about this: “To what is the ‘message of the cross’ referring? And why might he say that the message is foolishness?” • Have you ever (or do you think you’ve ever) been perceived as foolish for having faith in Jesus Christ? • Paul goes on to say, “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Have you ever thought about yourself as “being saved?” What might that mean for our lives? In what ways are we “being saved?” • Think about that phrase, “. . . the power of God.” What does it look like to have the power of God in our lives? How might this change our relationships? How might it change our work? How might it change our lives to have the power of God in them? • As Lent (death) and Easter (resurrection) begins, into what areas do you need God to breath new life? Where do you need to be raised up in resurrection? How can we take that to God in prayer right now?

Christ Church Christiana Hundred Wilmington, Delaware www.christchurchde.org