The Question That Changes Everything Series

I. Welcome – A Day of New Beginnings

Good morning! It’s so great to see so many of you here—whether you’re part of the furniture or just visiting today, you are so welcome.

Today is a day of celebration. A day of joy. A day of life. We’ve sung songs, we’ve read the resurrection story, and we’ve witnessed baptisms—real-life stories of transformation. But I want to speak to those who might still feel unsure.

Maybe you’re watching all this and thinking, “Is this really true? Could it be true for me?”

Because the heart of what we’re celebrating today is this: Jesus rose from the dead.

And that’s a huge claim. But the resurrection isn’t just a story from the past—it’s the foundation of the Christian faith. And if it’s true, it changes everything.

II. The Disciples Didn't Expect the Resurrection

Let’s be honest—the resurrection surprised everyone.

Despite everything Jesus said about rising again, when He died, His followers thought it was over. They were gutted. They scattered. They hid.

Even when the women went to the tomb and found it empty, they didn’t shout “He’s alive!”—they thought someone had stolen the body. When they told the others, Luke says, “their words seemed like nonsense.”

Even when they saw Jesus, some worshipped—and some still doubted.

These weren’t gullible people. They were broken, confused, and afraid. But then something happened that transformed them.

III. The Evidence for the Resurrection

So let’s ask the big question: Can we really believe Jesus rose from the dead?

Here’s a quick look at the evidence:

1. Eyewitnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)

Paul names people who saw Jesus alive—including more than 500 at once. That list was written early, while many of those witnesses were still alive. This wasn’t myth-building—it was recent history.

2. The Empty Tomb

Jesus’ enemies could have shut everything down by producing His body—but they couldn’t.

And here’s something interesting: the first people to see the empty tomb were women. In that culture, women’s testimony wasn’t highly regarded. If someone were making the story up, they wouldn’t have chosen that detail.

3. Changed Disciples

Before: scared, hiding, denying they even knew Jesus.

After: bold, preaching, willing to die for the message that Jesus was alive.

People don’t die for something they know is a lie.

4. The Growth of the Church

Christianity exploded across the Roman Empire, despite intense persecution. Why? Because something undeniable had happened.

Imagine seeing someone die… and then talking with them days later. That’s what happened to the disciples. They couldn’t keep it to themselves.

IV. Jesus Meets Us in Our Doubts

Now here’s the good news: Jesus didn’t reject the doubters.

To Mary, weeping at the tomb, He gently said her name.

To Thomas, needing proof, He said, “Put your finger here.”

To the two walking away in confusion, He walked beside them and opened the Scriptures.

Jesus meets people where they are—in their grief, confusion, and questions. And He still does that today.

Maybe faith feels like something other people have. Maybe the idea of a man rising from the dead sounds too far-fetched. You're not alone.

if you’re here this morning and you’re unsure, know this: Jesus is not distant from your doubts. He welcomes your questions. He invites your curiosity. And He offers peace.

So if you’re sitting here thinking, “I’ve got doubts… I’m not sure I believe all this…” —you’re not alone. And you are exactly the kind of person Jesus comes close to.

V. Baptism: A Picture of Resurrection

What does all of this have to do with baptism?

Romans 6:3-5 says that when someone is baptised, they are united with Jesus in His death and resurrection.

• Going under the water = dying with Jesus.

• Coming out = rising to new life.

Baptism is a visual sermon. It’s someone saying:

“I believe Jesus died and rose again—and I want to follow Him.”

It’s not a sign that someone has it all figured out. It’s a step of faith. A declaration: “I’ve been changed by Jesus, and I’m starting a new life with Him.”

The people getting baptised today aren’t saying they’re perfect. They’re saying they’ve met the risen Jesus, and He’s changed their story.

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VI. What the Resurrection Means for Us Today

So what does all of this mean for you?

1. The resurrection is not just ancient history.

It’s a present reality. Jesus is alive, and He’s still transforming lives.

2. It’s a personal invitation.

Easter isn’t just something to observe—it’s something to receive.

Like a gift. You don’t earn it, you don’t achieve it—you just open it.

You might be wondering: Could this be true for me?

And the answer is: Yes. Yes, it’s true. And yes, it’s for you.

The death and resurrection of Christ speak powerfully to both the head (our doubts and questions) and the heart (our need for hope and love). Here’s how they can make an impact on someone who’s considering Christianity but wrestling with doubts: