Embracing the Resurrection: The Answer to Life's Questions
Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the deepest questions of life—questions that have followed us from childhood into adulthood, questions about our origin, purpose, morality, and destiny. These are not just philosophical musings, but the very issues that shape our identity, our sense of meaning, and our hope for the future. While some questions in life are trivial, others cut to the core of our existence. The world offers countless answers, but only one stands the test of time and eternity: the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The resurrection is not a hidden truth or a small detail; it is the central, visible, and undeniable event that validates everything Jesus said and did. Because Jesus rose from the dead, we no longer need to search endlessly for truth. He is the answer to our quest for meaning, the foundation for our morality, and the assurance of our destiny. The resurrection is the anchor that holds when all other answers fail.
Through the resurrection, we receive faith—a deep confidence that we are right with God, not because of our own efforts, but because Jesus paid the price for our sins. We are no longer defined by our failures or our past, but by the love and sacrifice of Christ. This faith gives us boldness to approach God, knowing we are fully accepted and forgiven.
The resurrection also gives us hope, the promise of eternal life that begins now and stretches into eternity. Life in Christ is not just about length of days, but about the quality and abundance of life that only He can give. Even when we face pain, loss, or unanswered questions, the hope of the resurrection assures us that Jesus is enough, and that every sorrow and doubt must ultimately bow to Him.
We may still carry questions—about suffering, loss, or the mysteries of God’s will—but the resurrection is the answer that is greater than any question. The real question for each of us is: What will we do with Jesus? Will we leave holding onto our questions, or will we embrace the answer that God has given in Christ? Today, the invitation is to receive Jesus, the answer who brings truth, faith, and hope into every part of our lives.
Key Takeaways
- The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate answer to humanity’s deepest questions about origin, meaning, morality, and destiny. It is not a hidden or obscure truth, but the central event that validates all of Jesus’ teachings and claims. In a world filled with endless searching, the resurrection stands as the clear and visible answer that ends the tiresome quest for truth. [14:37]
- Faith in Christ is not based on our own merit or religious effort, but on the finished work of Jesus who paid the price for our sins. The resurrection assures us that we are justified, fully accepted, and made part of God’s family. This confidence allows us to approach God boldly, knowing our past, present, and future are covered by His grace. [22:45]
- Hope in the resurrection is not just about life after death, but about the quality and abundance of life we experience now in Christ. Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus, filling our lives with joy, strength, and purpose even in the midst of pain and unanswered questions. The life Jesus gives is not merely longer, but richer and more satisfying than anything the world can offer. [27:33]
- God is not intimidated by our questions, doubts, or struggles. Even Jesus Himself asked questions in His darkest moments. While some answers may remain hidden on this side of eternity, the resurrection assures us that God’s love and victory are greater than our confusion, and that one day all will be made clear. [33:20]
- The most important question we must answer is what we will do with Jesus. The invitation is not to religion or to a set of rules, but to a relationship with the living Christ who loves us, forgives us, and offers Himself as the answer to every longing of our hearts. The answer is greater than any question, and today we are invited to receive Him by faith. [36:15]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - The Universal Nature of Questions
[01:10] - Questions Through Life’s Stages
[03:13] - What the World is Searching For
[04:19] - Life’s Four Fundamental Questions
[06:12] - The Resurrection as the Answer
[07:11] - Jesus’ Life and the Question of Truth
[09:11] - The Impact of the Resurrection
[10:30] - Paul’s Message to Corinth
[12:13] - The Centrality of the Resurrection
[14:11] - The End of the Search for Truth
[18:24] - Faith: Confidence Before God
[25:50] - Hope: The Promise of Eternal Life
[30:22] - Personal Story: Grief and Unanswered Questions
[33:20] - Living with Questions and the Power of the Resurrection
[36:15] - The Invitation: What Will You Do with Jesus?
[41:29] - Prayer of Faith and Commitment
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Resurrection—The Answer to Life’s Deepest Questions
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### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 15:1-22
*(Main text of the sermon; see [10:30] and following)*
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### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 15, what are the key facts Paul says are “of first importance” about Jesus? ([10:56])
2. What evidence does Paul give to support the reality of Jesus’ resurrection? ([11:11])
3. In the sermon, what are the four fundamental questions of life that everyone wrestles with? ([04:38])
4. What does Paul say happens to our faith if Christ has not been raised from the dead? ([12:13])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul make such a strong connection between the resurrection of Jesus and the truth of the Christian message? What does this mean for our search for answers in life? ([14:37])
2. The sermon says the resurrection gives us confidence that we are right with God, not because of our own efforts but because of what Jesus did. How does this change the way someone might view their past mistakes or failures? ([22:45])
3. The hope of the resurrection is described as not just life after death, but a new quality of life now. What does it mean to have “abundant life” in Christ, even when facing pain or unanswered questions? ([27:33])
4. The pastor shared a personal story about grief and unanswered questions. How does the resurrection help us live with questions we may never get answered in this life? ([33:20])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says that the resurrection puts an end to the “tiresome search for answers.” Are there areas in your life where you still feel like you’re searching for meaning or truth? What would it look like to let the resurrection of Jesus be your answer in those areas? ([14:37])
2. The message emphasized that faith in Christ means we are fully accepted and forgiven, not defined by our failures. Is there a specific regret or failure from your past that you struggle to let go of? How can you remind yourself this week that you are defined by Jesus’ love and sacrifice, not your mistakes? ([22:45])
3. The hope of the resurrection is described as a new quality of life that starts now. What is one area of your life where you need to experience more of Jesus’ abundant life? What practical step could you take this week to invite Him into that area? ([27:33])
4. The pastor said God is not intimidated by our questions or doubts, and even Jesus asked questions in His darkest moments. Is there a question or doubt you’ve been afraid to bring to God? What would it look like to honestly bring that to Him in prayer this week? ([33:20])
5. The sermon ended by asking, “What will you do with Jesus?” If you have already received Jesus, what is one way you can deepen your relationship with Him this month? If you haven’t, what is holding you back from saying yes to Him? ([36:15])
6. The message talked about the difference between searching for answers in the world and finding the answer in Jesus. Are there “searches” or pursuits in your life that you need to let go of because they aren’t leading you to real truth or hope? ([15:38])
7. The pastor shared about living with grief and unanswered questions, but still finding peace in the resurrection. Is there a sorrow or pain in your life that you need to surrender to Jesus? How can the group pray for you in that area this week? ([33:20])
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*Feel free to use these questions to guide your discussion, share honestly, and pray for one another as you seek to let the resurrection of Jesus shape every part of your life.*
Devotional
Day 1: The Resurrection is the Foundation of Truth
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not a hidden or minor detail—it is the central, visible, and undeniable truth that validates everything Jesus said and did. Because He rose from the dead, every teaching, promise, and claim He made is proven true, and the endless search for meaning, identity, and purpose finds its answer in Him. No other journey, philosophy, or religion can offer the certainty and hope that the risen Christ provides; every other search ultimately ends in futility, but in Jesus, the answer is clear and accessible to all who seek. [14:54]
1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (ESV)
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, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
Reflection: Where in your life are you still searching for answers that only Jesus, the risen Savior, can truly provide?
Day 2: The Resurrection Gives Us Confidence of Forgiveness and Right Standing with God
Because Jesus rose from the dead, we can have absolute confidence that our sins are forgiven and that we are made right with God—not by our own efforts, but by faith in what Christ has done for us. The resurrection assures us that the debt of sin has been paid in full, and we are welcomed into God’s family as beloved sons and daughters, free from guilt, shame, and fear of condemnation. This confidence is not based on our performance, but on the finished work of Jesus, who justifies us and gives us boldness to approach God with assurance and joy. [23:18]
Romans 5:8-11 (ESV)
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Reflection: Is there a past sin or failure that still makes you doubt God’s love or forgiveness? How can you bring this to Jesus today and rest in His finished work?
Day 3: The Resurrection Offers Hope—The Promise of Eternal Life
The resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee that death is not the end and that eternal life is available to all who trust in Him. This hope is not just for the future, but transforms our present, giving us strength, joy, and purpose even in the midst of pain, loss, or unanswered questions. In Christ, we receive a quality of life that is abundant and unshakeable, rooted in the reality that He is alive and with us, and that nothing in this world can separate us from His love or the promise of forever with Him. [27:53]
1 John 5:11-12 (ESV)
And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to let the hope of eternal life in Jesus reshape your perspective or attitude today?
Day 4: God Welcomes Our Questions and Meets Us with His Presence
Even when we are faced with deep pain, loss, or confusion, God is not intimidated by our questions—He welcomes them and meets us with His presence and peace. There are mysteries and sorrows in life that we may never fully understand on this side of heaven, but the resurrection assures us that one day all will be made clear, and until then, we can trust that Jesus is with us, carrying us through every doubt, regret, and unanswered prayer. His love and victory are greater than any question we carry, and He invites us to bring our honest hearts to Him. [33:20]
1 Corinthians 13:12 (ESV)
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
Reflection: What is one difficult question or pain you are carrying right now? Can you bring it honestly to God in prayer, trusting that He is with you even when you don’t have all the answers?
Day 5: The Only Question That Matters—What Will You Do with Jesus?
At the end of all our searching, doubts, and struggles, the most important question we must answer is what we will do with Jesus—the one who loves us, died for us, and rose again to offer us life. He does not invite us into religion or condemnation, but into a relationship of love, grace, and mercy. No matter your past, your hurts, or your questions, Jesus is enough, and He stands ready to receive you if you will say yes to Him. The answer to every longing and every need is found in Him—will you receive Him today? [36:15]
John 1:12 (ESV)
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
Reflection: What is holding you back from fully saying “yes” to Jesus and receiving Him as the answer to your deepest questions and needs?
Quotes
See, questions will always be part of life. We never outgrow questions. Some questions we can live with and some things we can live without because because they're the answer like why is the sky blue? Right? We could just ask Google. because those answers are not going to make a difference if we know them or not. But there are other questions that do make a difference on whether I know or don't know it like where did I come from? What is my purpose? Is there a God? Does God love me? What happens when I die? [00:03:48]
Rabbi Zachcharias, he's a renowned Christian apologist who passed away and he said that every person wrestles with four fundamental questions in life. No matter what their background, belief, system or culture, these questions cut to the heart of the human existence and form the foundation of how we see the world. Here's the first question. Question of origin. Where do I come from? And this question deals with the beginning of life and our existence and our source and our identity. Are we created or evolved or random? Is there a divine origin? What makes me me? [00:04:30]
Here's the second question. It's about meaning. Why am I here? This is a search for purpose and significance and value in life. What is the point of my life? Do I matter? What gives life meaning? The third kind of question is about morality. How should I live? The question relates to right and wrong uh and and ethics and how do we make moral decisions like who determines what is right and wrong? Is there absolute truth? What guides my choices? And the last category of questions is destiny. Where am I going? [00:05:08]
See, if there are fundamental questions that everyone asks, how do we find the answer? And how do we know that we found the right answer? Because everyone thinks they have the right answer. That's why there are over 10,000 religions in the world because there's a quest, a quest to find the answer. And today I will share how the resurrection of Jesus is the answer to all our questions. [00:05:51]
Literally the disciples who were locked behind the closed doors because of fear of the religious leaders became bold and they started preaching and sharing Jesus rose. Jesus rose and they talked about to about Jesus to everyone not just the Jews but everybody. And they even changed the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday to highlight the resurrection. and churches were started and communities were formed living out the life and teachings of Jesus. [00:09:30]
Now brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you. So this is Paul talking to the church at Corinth, right? And he's he's he's speaking to them about what is happening in the church which you received on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel, you are saved. If you hold firmly to the word I preach to you, otherwise you have believed in vain. For what I received, I passed on to you as first importance that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. [00:10:30]
If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not raised, our preaching is useless. We could go home now. And so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses. We are frauds about God. For we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But if but he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. [00:12:06]
See, the resurrection puts an end to the tiresome search for answers because we're always looking for answers. We're always looking for answers. And here in 1 Corinthians chapter 15, uh, Paul is talking about this gospel of this, oh, gospel just means good news, right? And he's saying that, you know, the gospel is is about, you know, this this search, right? You've been searching for identity and meaning and purpose and morality and all the questions about death and eternity and destiny. All of them are found in a person named Jesus. Why? Because he rose. [00:14:01]
Everything he said about him is validated. Everything he taught about is validated. Everything he he spoke about eternity past and eternity future and and origins and and and Adam and Eve and all of the Bible. Everything he talks about is valid. Why? Because Jesus rose from the dead. And so you don't have to go searching anymore. And many people do. So they take pilgrimages, right? Some of them go to Mecca and some of them some holy site or, you know, you don't have to go, you know, become a monk and live in a monastery and go on some journey searching. [00:14:57]
Every search apart from Jesus ends in futility and leaves us with more questions than answers. Right? Because there's a lot of people searching. There's a lot of people going on this journey looking for truth. Why? Because they have a lot of questions and they're looking for answers. And they're thinking that where if I go on the spiritual journey, if I go searching, I'm going to find answers. And what Paul is saying, you don't have to search anymore. You don't have to go looking for answers anymore. The answer is Jesus. He is the truth. [00:15:43]
The thing about the resurrection of Jesus, you can't miss it. It doesn't take long. You don't have to go searching for it. Jesus came to be visible, to show you the truth, to show you who is God. You don't have to go looking. You don't have to go searching. No, this is very important. And so when he's saying that when you don't believe the resurrection of Jesus that everything falls apart, it's like that domino effect, right? If you hit the first domino, every other domino is going to go down. So if you don't have the resurrection, if Jesus never resurrected, everything you're doing is futile. [00:17:01]
The resurrection gives us faith. And what is that faith? That it's a confidence that we are right with God. Look at verse 16. For if the dead are not raised and g Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is feudile. You are still in your sins. And see, in Romans 3:23 says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." If you are parents of little children, you already know they're sinning the first time, right? [00:18:26]
So none of us none of us are exempt from sin. All have sinned. And there is a price that must be paid. There is a wage. Romans 6:23. For the wages of sin is what? Death. Spiritual death. This disconnection. Not just physical debt, but there's also this spiritual debt. This disconnect from God. But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. So here we are disconnected from God because of sin. And when we think about the resurrection, the resurrection is going to give us faith. [00:18:56]
But God says, "Listen, I'm going to put all of your sins upon my son, Jesus. every lie, anytime you cheated, anytime you committed adultery, anytime you stole, you murdered, you any kind of sin that you've done was placed on Jesus and he paid the debt you and I owed. And it says that since we have now been justified by this blood's blood, how much more shall we be what? Saved from God's wrath through him. God is not angry with us. He's angry with the sin that we commit. He loves the sinner, but he hates the sin. [00:20:18]
So now how God sees me is perfect instead of sinful. He sees me not defined by my sin, but defined by the Savior. So when he sees me, he sees the blood that was covered and and forgiven and and that I am cleansed and and washed and all of my past and my present and my future sins are been washed away. I'm I'm so whole before the God of and there is a confidence, there's an assurance, there's a faith and never a doubt because of the resurrection of Jesus. [00:22:02]
There is a joy. There's a hope that whatever questions I'm living with, things that I don't understand that's going on in my life. I can still be strong. I can still walk with confidence. Why? Because the joy of the Lord is my strength. When it's overwhelming me when I feel tired, when I'm about to collapse, there's an eternal life with inside of me that Jesus has given me. The Bible says, "Greater is he that's in me than he that's in the world." The same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is living inside of me. [00:27:42]
A life without Jesus is trying to live this life connected to the culture, to the world, trying to stay alive. Trying to stay alive with money, sex, drugs, addictions, worldly pleasures. All of that is so fleeting, so empty, and none of it satisfies us because how much money is is is enough? How many relationships is enough? Right? When you when you're done with one here, you want you want more. And there's never enough. But thank God. But Jesus is always enough. That he satisfies every thirst that we have. Every emptiness that we have, Jesus can fill. [00:29:18]
And it says that and now these three things remain faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 John 3:16. This is how we know what love is. Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. Questions. I don't know a lot and I still have questions. Jesus had questions on the cross. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? God was okay with the questions. But the thing, the one thing, the one answer that was given to me that that God is giving us that gives us peace that helps me and you live with unanswered questions is the truth that Jesus rose from the dead. [00:33:50]
See, his resurrection gives me an answer that every unanswered question, every form of worry and anxiety and every form of doubt and every form of pain and sorrow, every one of them, every form of pain, every form of sorrow, all of that has to bow down to the answer. You see these questions that we live with that we don't understand because we have an answer because we have Jesus because he did it all. These questions have to bow down. And though I might I might have to sit with it, it must bow down. [00:34:46]
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