Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 (ESV)
- Why would you want to go to church every Sunday?
a. I’ve got better things to do! - Why would I want to be a Christian, Christians are nothing but a bunch of Hypocrites!
- What if the Bible is wrong?
a. I don’t believe the Bible is true!
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
- If God is so good and loving why would He let bad things happen to good people?
And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:9-13 (ESV)
- Why would God send His Son to die? / Why didn’t He come Himself?
- What about those who have never heard of Jesus? / I believe if you are a good person you will make it to heaven.
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:19-20 (ESV)
- What was Israel expecting from Jesus as the Messiah?
And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” Matthew 27:39-43 (ESV)
- Did they expect Him to save Himself and prove He was the Messiah?
- Did they want Him to free them, from the Romans or their sins?
- Did they want to follow His example of Servitude?
- Did they want everyone to join them in the kingdom?
- Did they just want to dispose of Him as a troublemaker?
11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day. Matthew 28:11-15 (ESV)
- What do you expect from Jesus as a Risen Savior?
- Do you want Him to reveal Himself to you in an undeniable manner?
- Do you want Him to free you from your sins or do you still enjoy them to much?
- Do you want Him to teach you to be like Him?
- Do you expect Him to let everyone into Heaven?
- Do you expect Him to give you a free pass because you didn’t know any better?
- Do you expect Him to excuse you because you didn’t do your part to follow Him?
And Question #20
- If everyone is going to heaven anyway, why did Jesus die?
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (ESV)