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Copyright ©2011 The Church at Brook Hills www.brookhills.org

Family  Worship  Guide  –  Week  16    

READ    This  week,  as  we  celebrate  Easter,  we  are  focusing  on  Christ’s  resurrection  and  the  hope  that  it  gives  those  who  trust  in  Him.        Read  First  Corinthians  15:1-­‐11.    Towards  the  end  of  the  letter  of  First  Corinthians,  Paul  reminds  the  Corinthians  about  the  hope  that  they  have  because  of  the  death  and  resurrection  of  Christ.    He  reminds  them  that  Christ  has  died  for  their  sins,  that  He  was  buried,  and  that  He  rose  again  on  the  third  day.        He  also  reminds  them  that  Christ’s  death  and  resurrection  had  been  foretold  in  the  Old  Testament  Scriptures.    You  can  see  the  death  and  resurrection  of  Christ  prophesied  in  places  like  Isaiah  52:13-­‐53:12;  Zechariah  12:10;  and  Psalm  16:8-­‐11.        Jesus’  resurrection  was  not  some  secret  event.    Jesus  appeared  to  the  disciples  –  over  500  of  them  at  one  time!    As  a  matter  of  fact,  many  of  them  were  still  alive  when  Paul  was  writing  this  letter.    Paul’s  point  here  is  that  you  can  check  out  the  facts  for  yourself.    Jesus  appeared  to  eyewitnesses  after  His  resurrection  that  verified  He  did  in  fact  rise  from  the  dead.    Paul  stresses  that  these  truths,  the  death  and  resurrection  of  Christ,  are  of  utmost  importance.    If  we  lose  this,  we  have  lost  everything.  

 Read  First  Corinthians  15:12-­‐19.    Apparently,  some  people  in  Corinth  were  saying  that  Christians  would  not  rise  from  the  dead.    Paul  here  says  that  Christ’s  resurrection  guarantees  the  resurrection  of  all  those  who  believe  in  Jesus.    He  puts  this  in  the  strongest  possible  terms.    If  Jesus  didn’t  rise  from  the  dead,  then  Christianity  is  useless  (15:17).    If  we  do  not  rise  from  the  dead  in  Christ,  then  we  are  hopeless  (15:19).    Read  First  Corinthians  15:20-­‐28.      But  the  fact  is  that  Christ  has  been  raised  from  the  dead,  and  since  Christ  has  been  raised  from  the  dead,  all  who  trust  in  Christ  will  also  rise  from  the  dead  with  Him.    Paul  says  that  as  death  came  through  Adam,  so  resurrection  and  life  now  come  through  Jesus  Christ.    The  Bible  teaches  that  since  we  are  all  born  in  Adam,  we  are  all  born  in  sin,  rebels  against  God,  and  therefore,  we  are  under  His  wrath  (Rom.  5:12ff.).    But  those  of  us  who  trust  in  Christ  for  salvation  are  no  longer  in  Adam,  but  in  Christ.  Therefore,  we  will  be  made  alive  with  Him,  not  only  our  spirits,  but  also  our  bodies.    Verses  24-­‐28  show  that  Christ  is  the  great  King  who  has  conquered  every  enemy,  even  death  itself.    Even  though  it  looks  like  death  is  still  reigning  now,  King  Jesus  has  defeated  death  through  His  death  and  resurrection.    One  day,  He  will  we  will  see  that  even  death  itself  is  crushed  under  His  feet,  and  we  will  reign  with  Him  (Rev.  3:21).    Questions:  The  resurrection  of  Jesus  is  only  good  news  for  those  who  are  in  Christ,  for  those  who  have  trusted  in  Him  as  their  Lord  and  Savior.    For  everyone  else,  it  is  really  bad  news,  because  it  means  that  Jesus  is  coming  again  to  judge  them  (Acts  17:30-­‐31).    Have  you  trusted  in  the  death  and  resurrection  of  Jesus  as  the  payment  for  your  sins?  How  does  your  hope  in  the  resurrection  help  you  face  times  of  uncertainty,  trials,  sickness,  and  even  death?  If  Jesus’  death  and  resurrection  are  the  only  hope  for  salvation,  what  does  that  mean  for  those  who  have  never  heard  the  gospel?    What  does  that  mean  in  terms  of  our  responsibility  to  make  disciples  of  all  nations?  How  should  the  resurrection  of  Christ  and  our  future  resurrection  with  Him  affect  our  lives  on  a  daily  basis  (Hint:  Read  1  Cor.  15:58)?        Bottom  Line:    The  death  and  resurrection  of  Christ  is  our  only  hope.    

PRAY  This  week  we   are   praying   for  Mandi   and  Ashley,   two  Brook  Hills’  members  who   are   serving   in   East   Asia.    Mandi   and  Ashley  live  in  a  city  where  there  are  very  few  evangelical  Christians.    Many  there  are  Muslim.    It  is  difficult  to  reach  out  to  others  here  because   in   this   community   jobs  are   very   important.     People  are  hesitant   to   let   their   guard  down  and  are  scared  become  Christians  themselves.    If  they  do,  then  they  are  unable  to  participate  in  the  government  organization  that  

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helps  them  find  better  jobs,  and  their  work  situations  are  everything  to  them.    Please  pray  that  the  people  there  would  release  their  fears  and  be  open  to  the  gospel.    Pray  that  they  will  see  that  Christ  is  more  important  and  fulfilling    

SING  This  week  our  family  worship  song  is  ‘O  Happy  Day’  written  by  Tim  Hughes.    ‘O  Happy  Day’  is  a  song  of  celebration  of  our  Risen  Savior.  The  song  begins,  “The  greatest  day   in  history.  Death   is  beaten.  You  have  rescued  me.  Sing   it  out.   Jesus   is  alive”.  We  can’t  be  reminded  of  the  gospel  enough.  As  Christians  it  is  our  identity.  It  is  important  that  we  come  together  corporately   and   proclaim   the   Good  News   so   that  we   can   affirm   and   encourage   one   another   in   Christ.   His   death   and  resurrection   is   our   only   hope.   Because  of  what  was  done  on   the   cross,  we  have   freedom   in  Him.  Our   sins   have  been  washed  away;  therefore  we  will  never  be  the  same.    This  is  something  to  sing  about!

 

MEMORIZE  1  Corinthians  15:3-­‐4:  “For  I  delivered  to  you  as  of  first  importance  what  I  also  received:  that  Christ  died  for  our  sins  in  accordance  with  the  Scriptures,  that  he  was  buried,  that  he  was  raised  on  the  third  day  in  accordance  with  the  Scriptures.”    

SUGGESTIONS  These   suggestions  were   created   by   the   age-­‐group  ministry   leaders   as   a  way   to   help   parents   better   communicate   the  biblical   truths   discussed   in   the   Family  Worship  Guide.     These   suggestions   are   intended   to  help   parents   facilitate  God-­‐centered   discussions   with   their   children.     Parents   should   prayerfully   use   these   suggestions,   and   any   other   means  necessary,  to  help  their  children  discover  the  truths  of  God’s  word  and  worship  Him  together.  

 Preschool  

• Before  you  begin:  print  photos  of  an  Easter  lily  bulb  and  Easter  lily,  or  you  can  purchase  a  bulb  and  flower  from  the  store.    • Read  1  Corinthians  15:3-­‐4.  • Say  to  your  preschooler:    This  is  an  Easter  lily.    We  like  to  use  it  this  time  of  year  to  decorate  for  Easter.    The  lily  reminds  

us  of  Jesus.  • Now  show  your  preschooler  the  lily  bulb.    Tell  your  child  that  you  usually  don’t  see  the  bulb  because  it   is  buried  in  the  

dirt.    However,  this  is  what  the  lily  flower  grows  from.    If  we  don’t  have  a  lily  bulb,  we  can’t  have  a  lily  flower.    This  bulb  looks  dead,  doesn’t  it?    It  has  to  be  buried  to  grow  into  a  lily.    In  a  few  days  it  will  come  to  life  and  this  bulb  becomes  the  beautiful  lily.    

• The  bulb  and  lily  flower  can  remind  us  of  Jesus.    Jesus  had  to  die  on  a  cross  to  save  us  from  our  sins  (bad  choices).    He  had  to  be  buried  in  a  tomb,  but  there  is  good  news!    Jesus  did  not  stay  dead.    Jesus  rose  from  the  dead,  and  this  is  the  good  news!    God’s  plans  are  ALWAYS  good  plans.  

• Questions:  What  did  Jesus  say  He  would  do?  Did  Jesus  rise  from  the  dead?    Yes,  Jesus  always  does  what  He  says  He  will  do!    God  loves  us  so  much  He  sent  his  only  son,  Jesus,  from  heaven  to  earth  to  die  on  a  cross.    When  we  believe  in  Jesus  and  turn  away  from  our  sin  (bad  choices)  He  saves  us.  

• Conclude  by  re-­‐reading  1  Corinthians  15:3-­‐4.    

Children  • Re-­‐read  1  Corinthians  15:  3-­‐4.  • Object  Lesson:  follow  the  instructions  below  after  dinner  the  evening  before  Easter.    You  will  need:    

o 1  cup  whole  pecans  o 1  tsp  vinegar  o 3  egg  whites  o pinch  salt  o 1  cup  sugar  o zip-­‐top  bag  o wooden  spoon  o tape  o a  Bible  

• Preheat  oven  to  300  degrees.  This  is  important!  Don't  wait  until  you're  halfway  through  the  recipe.  • Place  pecans   in  zip-­‐top  bag  and  let  children  beat  them  with  the  wooden  spoon  to  break   into  small  pieces.  Explain  that  

after  Jesus  was  arrested,  He  was  beaten  by  the  Roman  soldiers.  Read  John  19:1-­‐3.  

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Copyright ©2011 The Church at Brook Hills www.brookhills.org

• Let  each  child  smell  the  vinegar.      Put  1  tsp  vinegar  into  mixing  bowl.    Explain  that  when  Jesus  was  thirsty  on  the  cross,  He  

was  given  vinegar  to  drink.  Read  John  19:28-­‐30.        • Add  egg  whites  to  vinegar.  Eggs  represent  life.    Explain  that  Jesus  gave  His  life  to  give  us  life.  Read  John  10:10-­‐11.      • Sprinkle  a  little  salt  into  each  child's  hand.  Let  them  taste  it  and  brush  the  rest  into  the  bowl.  Explain  that  this  represents  

the  salty  tears  shed  by  Jesus'  followers,  and  the  bitterness  of  our  own  sin.  Read  Luke  23:27.        • So  far,  the  ingredients  are  not  very  appetizing.  Add  1  cup  sugar.  Explain  that  the  sweetest  part  of  the  story  is  that  Jesus  

died  because  He  loves  us.  He  wants  us  to  know  and  belong  to  Him.  Read  Ps.  34:8  and  John  3:16.        • Beat  with  a  mixer  on  high  speed  for  12  to  15  minutes  until  stiff  peaks  form.  Explain  that  the  color  white  represents  the  

purity  in  God's  eyes  of  those  whose  sins  have  been  cleansed  by  Jesus.  Read  Isa.  1:18  and  John  3:1-­‐3.        • Fold  in  broken  nuts.  Drop  by  teaspoons  onto  wax  paper-­‐covered  cookie  sheet.    Explain  that  each  mound  of  cookie  dough  

represents  the  rocky  tomb  where  Jesus'  body  was  laid.  Read  Matt.  27:57-­‐60.        • Put  the  cookie  sheet  in  the  oven,  close  the  door  and  turn  the  oven  OFF.  Give  each  child  a  piece  of  tape  and  seal  the  oven  

door.  Explain  that  Jesus'  tomb  was  sealed.      Read  Matt.  27:65-­‐66.        • Now  head  to  bed!    Talk  about  how  your  children  may  feel  sad  to  leave  the  cookies  in  the  oven  overnight.    Jesus'  followers  

were  in  despair  when  the  tomb  was  sealed.  Read  John  16:20  and  22.  • On  Easter  morning,  open  the  oven  and  give  everyone  a  cookie.  Notice  the  cracked  surface  and  take  a  bite.  The  cookies  

are  hollow!  On  the  first  Easter,  Jesus'  followers  were  amazed  to  find  the  tomb  open  and  empty.    Read  Matt.  28:1-­‐9.            Students  

• As  a  family  read  1  Corinthians  15:3-­‐4.  • The  idea  of  something  being  empty   is  almost  always  a  bad  thing,  but   in  this   instance  we,  as  Christ-­‐followers,  celebrate  

something  that  was  found  empty.    • As  a  family,  make  a  list  of  things  that  frustrate  you  when  they’re  empty  (i.e.  gas  tank,  gift  card,  tummy).  • As  Christians,  why  is  it  important  that  Christ’s  tomb  was  found  empty?    • Read  Mark  8:31.    • What  did  Jesus’  resurrection  prove  to  all  that  had  been  following  Him?  • Close  by  reading  Romans  6:9.  How  might  this  passage  encourage  those  that  follow  after  Christ?  What  does  this  passage  

communicate  about  Christ’s  power  and  authority?      • Pray  that  Christ  would  remind  us  of  the  hope  we  have  because  of  His  death  and  resurrection.  Thank  the  Lord  for  His  gift  

of  grace  in  kindness  that  he  has  shown  us  through  Christ  Jesus.        

Pra

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At th

e sa

me

time,

pra

y th

ey w

ill re

mai

n st

eadf

ast i

n sh

arin

g an

d po

urin

g ou

t the

ir li

ves

into

oth

ers.

Frid

ay: M

andi

and

Ash

ley

have

exp

erie

nced

so

me

reje

ction

from

thos

e th

ey a

re w

orki

ng

with

whi

ch c

an b

e di

scou

ragi

ng.

Pray

fo

r co

urag

e, jo

y an

d st

reng

th in

thes

e ci

rcum

stan

ces.

Satu

rday

: Pra

y th

at M

andi

and

Ash

ley

wou

ld

be a

n en

cour

agem

ent t

o th

eir

supe

rvis

ors

and

to th

e lo

cal b

elie

vers

in E

ast A

sia.

Pra

y th

at G

od

wou

ld b

less

thei

r w

ork.

Live

s/Ch

urch

The

resu

rrec

tion

of C

hris

t is

the

only

bas

is fo

r re

al h

ope.

It i

s th

e ba

sis

for

our

justi

ficati

on (R

om.

4:25

), vi

ctor

y ov

er s

in (R

om. 6

:1-1

4), a

nd ro

ck s

olid

ass

uran

ce th

at G

od w

ill ra

ise

us u

p w

ith C

hris

t on

the

last

day

(1 C

or. 1

5:12

-58)

. Th

e re

surr

ectio

n of

Chr

ist h

as e

ffect

s on

the

belie

ver

and

all t

hing

s,

for

one

day

crea

tion

itsel

f will

be

set f

ree

from

its

slav

ery

to c

orru

ption

(Rom

. 8:1

8-23

). T

his

hope

in

Chri

st’s

resu

rrec

tion

affec

ts o

ur fu

ture

and

radi

cally

cha

nges

the

way

that

we

live

now

. In

ligh

t of t

he

resu

rrec

tion

of C

hris

t and

our

hop

e of

ris

ing

with

Him

, we

seek

and

set

our

min

ds o

n th

ings

abo

ve,

and

seek

to li

ve p

ure

and

holy

live

s (C

ol. 3

:1-4

; 1 Jn

. 3:3

). Sp

end

som

e tim

e th

is w

eek

than

king

God

fo

r th

e ho

pe o

f the

resu

rrec

tion

and

aski

ng G

od to

hel

p yo

u liv

e in

ligh

t of i

t.

O H

appy

Day

by T

im H

ughe

s, B

en C

ante

lon

The

grea

test

day

in h

isto

ry, D

eath

is b

eate

nYo

u ha

ve re

scue

d m

eSi

ng it

out

Jesu

s is

aliv

eTh

e em

pty

cros

s, T

he e

mpt

y gr

ave

Life

ete

rnal

You

hav

e w

on th

e da

ySh

out i

t out

Jesu

s is

aliv

eH

e’s

aliv

e

Oh

happ

y da

y, h

appy

day

You

was

hed

my

sin

away

Oh

happ

y da

y, h

appy

day

I’ll n

ever

be

the

sam

eFo

reve

r I a

m c

hang

ed

Whe

n I s

tand

, in

that

pla

ceFr

ee a

t las

t, m

eetin

g fa

ce to

face

I am

You

rs Je

sus

You

are

min

eEn

dles

s jo

y, p

erfe

ct p

eace

Eart

hly

pain

fina

lly w

ill c

ease

Cele

brat

e Je

sus

is a

live

He’

s al

ive

Oh

wha

t a g

lori

ous

day

Wha

t a g

lori

ous

way

That

You

hav

e sa

ved

me

Oh

wha

t a g

lori

ous

day

Wha

t a g

lori

ous

nam

e

Copy

righ

t©20

06 T

hank

you

Mus

ic

Due

to c

opyr

ight

lim

itatio

ns, w

e ar

e on

ly

allo

wed

to p

rint t

he ly

rics

to th

is s

ong

with

no

cho

rds.

We

enco

urag

e yo

u to

dow

nloa

d an

mp3

of t

his

song

from

iTun

es.

Scri

ptur

e M

emor

y“F

or I

deliv

ered

to y

ou a

s of

firs

t im

port

ance

wha

t I a

lso

rece

ived

: tha

t Chr

ist d

ied

for

our

sins

in a

ccor

danc

e w

ith th

e Sc

ript

ures

, tha

t he

was

bur

ied,

that

he

was

rais

ed o

n th

e th

ird

day

in a

ccor

danc

e w

ith th

e Sc

ript

ures

.” 1

Cor

inth

ians

15:

3-4