On your own or with your life group work through this reading plan to apply this weekend’s message to your life. If you haven’t done so yet, listen or watch the Sunday message below.

Opening Question
When you hear the word mercy, what comes to your mind?

The Resurrection
Read Luke 24:1-12
Even though the disciples saw the empty tomb and the women gave testimony to what they had experienced, they still did not understand.  Jesus told them all that would happen, and yet they didn’t grasp all that meant for them.  Followers of Jesus today still find it difficult to see and comprehend what we have been given.  Yet when we do, our lives change, and we become convinced that we have a new life.  

As you consider the resurrection, what do you understand about all you have been given?

New life because of Jesus’ death and resurrection
Read Romans 6:1-11
Have you heard people say, “Grace covers everything.”  While that is true, it doesn’t give license to keep on sinning.  Paul talks about our life and asks a very important question.  Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound?

• Verses 1-4 opens with a series of questions to help us look at ourselves and to reveal the reality of how we live according to what we believe about Jesus’ sacrifice.
  • When we identify with His death, our old sin nature is dead.  
  • When we identify with His resurrection, a new life in Christ emerges.
  • How would you answer Paul’s question - shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound? 

• Verses 5-7 speak of the fact that when we are united with Christ in His death, we are equally united with Him in His resurrection.  This means we have a new life even in the midst of living in the world that pushes against that new life.  The old man is crucified, put to death with Jesus.  The body of our sinful nature is inoperative.  This is hard to fathom especially when the temptations keep coming. 
  • What seems more real to you?  That your old life is gone and new life has come in Christ or that the temptations that you face have power over you?  Explain

• Verses 8-11 speak to living a life of pursuing righteousness. Paul says we are to “consider or reckon ourselves as dead INDEED TO SIN, but ALIVE TO GOD IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.  Many have received Jesus as Savior but do we submit to Him as our Lord.  That is the question we face each morning as we get up.  Will I live for the One who died to set me free from sin?  Will I accept and surrender to His right to be Lord of my life?   
  • As you think about the above questions, share your thoughts and how the Lordship of Jesus is a challenge in your life. 

Read Ezekiel 36:25-27
These verses tell us of the promise God made in the old testament of a new heart and new spirit.  Today we have a divine privilege to live under the covering of this promise God made to you and me.  This new life is fully yours because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

NEXT STEP
What will you do with this New Life that you’ve been given?

During your time as a group, take a few moments to be quiet and ask God to speak to you about the new life He has given you.  As you listen, what is God revealing to you about how you are to live this promise and privilege out?

Prayer: Thank God for all He has done for you.  Commit to Him as Lord of your life as you lay down the old life and receive the new life that is yours.  Pray for one another that your response today will be to live the new life that Jesus paid such a high price to give you.  `````````````````````````````````````````