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Dear Saddleback Family, 

Use the Message Action Plan below to help put the things you learned this weekend into practice. If you missed last weekend's message, click here to watch it online.

A Skeptic's Surprise 
Good News for a Change - Part 2 
Lee Strobel 
March 12-13, 2016

Why is the resurrection important?

"If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." 1 Corinthians 15:17 (NIV) 
 
The Four E's of the Resurrection

1. Execution - must be a death
   
   "Jesus' death as a consequence of crucifixion is indisputable."  Atheist Scholar Gerd Lüdemann 
   
   Action Plan - During your quiet time thank God for Jesus' sacrificial death for you, even death on a cross.  Think about His serving out your death sentence on your behalf.  Thank him for that priceless gift throughout the week.
   
2. Early Accounts - no time gap - Not a legend
   
   "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also . . ." 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (NIV) 
   
   "This tradition, we can be entirely confident, was formulated as tradition within months of Jesus' death." Historian James D. G. Dunn 
    
   Action Plan -  Pray daily this week for God to place someone you know on your heart to invite to Easter services.  Listen to them carefully this week as you talk with them and find an area where they may need hope or encouragement and use that opportunity to invite them.
   
   
3. Empty tomb 
   
   Even the enemies of Jesus admitted the tomb was empty. 
    
   Action Plan - If you live in Southern California, visit Journey with Jesus. This 15-piece art installation along a trail at Saddleback Rancho Capistrano follows the last week of Jesus' life leading to his crucifixion and resurrection. The trail is open daily for self-guided tours, and guided tours are also available. Visit saddleback.com/journeywithjesus for more information.
   
   
4. Eyewitnesses
   
   "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, [even] to those who believe in His name."  John 1:12 (NASB) 
   
   Believe + Receive = Become 
   
   Action Plan -  Write out observations concerning an area in your life you want to become more like Christ in and begin charting the progress God makes in your life in that area. Think back to previous victories you've already had and be mindful of them during your prayer time.