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Monday, September 06, 2010

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If there is no resurrection

CELL MATTERS

Easter Sunday, 2009

“If there is no resurrection”

OPENING QUESTIONS:

If you had to write an epitaph for your tombstone, what would you write?

GETTING DEEPER:

READ I Corinthians 15:12-34.
According to verse 12, what false teaching was being spread around Corinth ?
What problems arise as a result of this false teaching?
What proofs does Paul offer to show that resurrection exists?
Verse 29 addresses a practice in which the Corinthians were engaging. How does this practice become useless if there is no resurrection?
If there is no resurrection, what is Paul’s advice in verse 32?
What does the concept of “first fruits” in verse 20 reveal about the way Jesus’ resurrection relates to ours?

GETTING CLOSER:

What practical difference has the resurrection made in your own life?
How deeply do you connect with the resurrection on an emotional level? Do you sometimes feel distant from it, like it is not real? Or do you feel strongly connected to it and moved by it? How so?

PRAYER:

Pray for our friends who do not yet know Jesus as Savior.

Doug Rowse, 4/10/2009

Cell Matters Archives

the authority of the believer, part 1

Who are you in Christ? Many Christians are weak in the faith because they lack understanding about who Jesus has made them to be. This study is part 1 in a short series helping us to know who we are in Christ. More ...

Doug Rowse

The net

Thankfully, the command to "Make Disciples" was not given to a few but was given to everyone who claims Jesus as Lord. This means we are not alone in our efforts to bring the Gospel to the world. As Jesus said, "The Kingdom is like a net..." More ...

Doug Rowse

awaken THIRST

Jesus called the Kingdom a treasure. Do you see it as a treasure? What did Jesus see about it that perhaps we in our modern world miss? Let's check it out! More ...

Doug Rowse

subtle REVOLUTION

We often expect that as God's children we should snap our fingers, say "in Jesus' name" and suddenly everything changes. When stuff doesn't happen fast, then what? How do we handle it? Jesus has the answer. More ...

Doug Rowse

RESPOND

Our response to God determines our experience of God. This small group study will help your group explore this important concept from scripture. More ...

Doug Rowse

Living in the Amen Corner

God has made hundreds of promises. How do we receive them as part of our lives? According to the bible, we give a hearty "AMEN!" Find out more... More ...

Doug Rowse

Got Pots?

A "pot" is short for "potential". It is any place in our lives where we give God the chance to bless through us. His ability to bless is only limited by the opportunities we give for Him to work through us. More ...

Doug Rowse

Bringing Heaven to Earth

Worry is a nasty habit that tarnishes the blessing that we can bring to our world. Jesus offers us the solution for overcoming worry once and for all. Check it out! More ...

Doug Rowse

The Problem of Evil

Nobody likes bad news, yet we get it every day. How do we handle it? Some people blame God for it, others trust God through it. Which are you? This lesson will help your group process this difficult issue. More ...

Doug Rowse

the exclusivity of christ

"Jesus is the ONLY way" is the most controversial teaching of Christianity. How can we make such a claim? This lesson will help your group process it in light of this week's teaching. More ...

Doug Rowse

of talk or POWER?

The bible describes the Kingdom of God has being "not of talk but of power." (I Cor. 4:20) Yet, many Christians experience more talk than power. Why is this? How do we fix it? Our Life Groups will explore it this week. More ...

Doug Rowse

the reliability of scripture

Why do some people understand the bible but others do not? Our study this week will help answer this question and strengthen our devotion to God's Word. More ...

Doug Rowse

The existence of miracles

Some have decided that miracles do not exist. Yet our world is filled with too many unexplained events to deny their existence. How do we explain for the presence of miracles? This lesson will help your group find answers. More ...

Doug Rowse

Hang ups

Have you ever doubted the existence of God or talked with anyone who does? This Life Group lesson will give you some tools to handle these doubts. God bless you! More ...

Doug Rowse

EYE Witness

The resurrection happened 2,000 years ago. How can we be eye witnesses of it today? In two ways: Through physical healings and in spiritual healings. This study explores both evidences for the resurrection. More ...

Doug Rowse

unshakable resolve

The bible has some hard commands for us to swallow. What do we do when the bible rubs us the wrong way? Does the bible win, or do we win? This study explores this issue. More ...

Doug Rowse

Unshakable Resolve, part 2

Lets face it, peer pressure affects all of us. Sometimes we rise above it, other times we succumb to it. Let's learn from Jesus how we can succeed. More ...

Doug Rowse

Unshakable Resolve

We all face temptation. Even Jesus faced it! Giving in to it weakens us. Resisting it strengthens us. This study guide will focus on ways that you can resist those tricks that trip us up. More ...

Doug Rowse

Covering your blindside

This study follows up with Sunday's teaching from Acts 5:1-11. More ...

Doug Rowse

What do I do with a prophecy?

The bible gives us four solid tests by which we can determine if a message is from God or not. This study will equip your group to discern the difference between God's truth and man's opinion. More ...

Doug Rowse

Growing together in unity, prayer, and purity

This wraps up our "covenant season" in which we have focused on God's objectives for our church in 2010. It is good time to recommit your group to God in prayer and get charged up for what is ahead. More ...

Doug Rowse

What is a Prophet?

People often get weird ideas when talking about prophecy. Sadly, the weirdness causes many legitimate prophecies to be ignored. This study will help to bring a biblical perspective of prophecy to your Life Group. God bless you! More ...

Doug Rowse

Growing together in 2010...in purity

Character counts. Who we are affects what we do. As a church, we cannot accomplish much for God if we do not strive to be holy. This lesson will examine the role of holiness in the success of your Life Group and our church. More ...

Doug Rowse

Growing together in 2010 in prayer

We often fail to understand the authority that we have in Christ. When faced with opposition, we are not helpless, we can pray! More ...

Doug Rowse

Growing together in 2010

Unity is fragile. It takes a lot to grow it and only one slip to ruin it. According to Jesus, the more unified we are, the more effective we will be at telling the world about Him. That is why we begin our new year by focusing on it. More ...

Doug Rowse

the dark side of christmas

There are differing reactions to the news of Jesus' birth. Some bow in worship, others reject it. This study looks at those differing reactions and makes us think about our own response to the birth of Christ. More ...

Doug Rowse

Chronicles of Worship

This lesson is meant to serve as a summary of what we have learned about worship in the past three months. May God take us deeper! More ...

Doug Rowse

Letting Go, episode two

As we bring our three month study of worship to a close, we are talking about how our body language expresses our love for God. More ...

Doug Rowse

Letting Go episode one

Being overly self-conscious when we worship can ruin the whole experience. This lesson, drawn from the bible will help your group address this issue. More ...

Doug Rowse

The Lord's 'other' prayer

What is the connection between our prayer and our behavior? This lesson explores this link. More ...

Doug Rowse

The Price of Worship

We know the value of something by the price which we are willing pay for it. So, how valuable is God? What price are we willing to pay to worship God? This lesson will help your group to process this tough question. More ...

Doug Rowse

Chronicles of Worship part IV

If you have ever experienced a boring worship service, this lesson is for you! How can we steer away from boring worship? How can we experience God's powerful presence? Check this out! More ...

Doug Rowse

Praying the psalms

At times, we feel things that are too deep for words and we cannot even pray about them. Thankfully, we have the Book of Psalms. These timeless songs express our deepest feelings and help us put them in words to God. More ...

Doug Rowse

Chronicles of Worship, II

Many folks have a beef with the 'organized church'. But is a disorganized church any better? This lesson focuses on the benefits of worshipping God in an orderly way and addresses why we might resist it. More ...

Doug Rowse

Chronicles of Worship, part 1

If God is who we say He is, worshipping Him ought to be the single great obsession of our lives. This week we begin a new series designed to help us grow in worship. More ...

Doug Rowse

Left overs, repeats and re-runs

Sometimes a small group lesson is BETTER the second time around. Check this out... More ...

Doug Rowse

money god, III

We all want to make wise investments. In Ecclesiastes 11, Solomon tells us about four great investments that anyone can make, even if you do not have money! More ...

Doug Rowse

Praying for a Nation

A lie we believe is that we have to agree with authorities in order to support them. Not true! We learned on Sunday that God wants us to pray for and be a blessing to our authorities. This week's meeting will focus on doing it. More ...

Doug Rowse

money god ii

Contrary to what many think, money is a liability to our lives not an asset. Many falsely think that if they had more money they could serve God better. This study will blow that thinking out of the water! More ...

Doug Rowse

Dad Rocks

The words of a parent pack a powerful punch. This week's study is on the power of a dad's blessing over his children. More ...

Doug Rowse

money god

These financially tough times are a great opportunity to evaluate our attachment to money. This week we begin a three part series on managing money in tough times. More ...

Doug Rowse

Dumb Prayers

Have you ever doubted something that you were praying? You felt in your heart that it was a 'dumb prayer' and you sheepishly backed off from asking God? This week's lesson will encourage you to keep praying! More ...

Doug Rowse

War in Review

What a journey! We are concluding our study about God's Armor this week. The purpose of this review is to tie all the loose ends together and apply this to our lives. More ...

Doug Rowse

The one weapon army

God has given His people one weapon with which to fight their battles: His Word. Do we believe that it is enough to help us handle all of the problems that come our way? This lesson will help your group to deal with this important issue. More ...

Doug Rowse

Moms Rock!

It takes radical women to be awesome mothers! This study takes a look at one radical mom in the bible. We do not even know her name, but we still feel the impact of her life. More ...

Doug Rowse

Learning from the Master

Let's make this week's Life Group meeting a prayer night! We can put into practice what Jesus taught us how to do in "The Lord's Prayer". It will be great! More ...

Doug Rowse

No need to go alone

This study guide follows Sunday's teaching on the helmet of salvation from Ephesians 6:17. More ...

Doug Rowse

Putting fear in its place

Everyday we are bombarded with reasons to fear: stocks and storms, disease and dictators, terrorists and troubles. And every day, the list seems to grow! How does one overcome pesky fear and live with confidence? That is what this lesson is all about! More ...

Doug Rowse

If there is no resurrection

The resurrection is the bedrock of our faith. To not believe it is to deny the very truth that can set us free. This study guide will help your group follow up with our Easter celebration. More ...

Doug Rowse

My house a house of prayer

This study is based on the moving account of when Jesus cleansed the Temple and made room for the blind and lame to come worship. What can He remove from your life to set you free to truly worship Him? More ...

Doug Rowse

Beware the drift!

Apathy. If Satan cannot trap you in some big sin, he will trap you in your own little world. What can you do? This study guide will lead you in a closer look at the armor of God. More ...

Doug Rowse

Revival

This study guide will help your group to process and follow up with our Holy Spirit Weekend. God bless you! More ...

Doug Rowse

Soul Food

We live out of our souls. If our souls are healthy and well fed, our lives will be healthy. If our souls are famished, our lives will be unhealthy. This study guide follows up with Sunday's teaching on caring for our souls. More ...

Doug Rowse

Weapons of war

This week we will learn how to fight against one of Satan's common attacks: SHAME. This study guide follows up Sunday's teaching on the breastplate of righteousness. More ...

Doug Rowse

A Long Conversation

Prayer is a long conversation between God and you about the things which matter to you. This study guide will help your group dig into what it means to "Pray continually". More ...

Doug Rowse

The Belt of Truth

Deception leads to disappointment which leads to disaster. A disappointed person is capable of great evil. How do we prevent it? With the truth! This study will guide your group into a better understanding of how truth helps us resist temptation. More ...

Doug Rowse

Weapons

Different jobs require different tools. Different wars require different weapons. Thankfully God has given us everything we need to fight our spiritual battles! More ...

Doug Rowse

Praying in the Spirit

Let's turn up the heat on our prayer life! This week's study will focus on an exciting concept taught us in the bible called "praying in the Spirit". It will transform the way you pray! More ...

Doug Rowse

Who is New River Church?

We dream of becoming a group of people whose faces reveal that we have tasted intimacy with Jesus, whose souls have been healed by His touch and whose mouths willingly tell all who will listen. This study will help your group talk through this in depth. More ...

Doug Rowse

Who is New River Church

This study guide will help prepare your group for our Covenant Sunday next week. Take your time as you go through each element. May God lead us as we seek to serve Him together this coming year. More ...

Doug Rowse

WAR!

There is war being waged all around us. We cannot see it with our eyes because it is a spiritual war. Being in it is not optional. We were drafted into it from the moment of our birth. But we can choose which side we will fight on. More ...

Doug Rowse

The essence of Hope

Hope. We cannot live without it. Hope is the medicine that God gives us to overcome the pain and heartache of our lives. In this lesson we will explore the hope of Christmas. More ...

Doug Rowse

Just Christmas week 1

What is faith? That is the question that we will explore in this week's study. More ...

Doug Rowse

Happy Thanksgiving

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. We have so many things for which we are thankful. Our God is so good! More ...

Doug Rowse

Pure Work

Take this job and love it! Is that possible? How can I love the job that I do? This study from Ephesians will help bring some perspective on going to work. More ...

Doug Rowse

Pure Marriage for guys

Last week we looked at commitments men can make in loving their wives. This week it is the guys' turn! We will explore ways that women can show respect for their husbands. More ...

Doug Rowse

Pure Marriage (for ladies)

We continue in our talks on purity by turning to marriage. What makes a marriage pure in God's eyes? This week we will look at what husbands can do for their wives. Next week... More ...

Doug Rowse

Staying filled with the Spirit

This is a follow up to our teaching from last Sunday on being filled with the Spirit. How do I keep it going? That's what this small group lesson is all about! More ...

Doug Rowse

Purity, part 3

Influence. Its the ability to change someone's life. Some influences are good for us. Others are not good. This lesson talks about the greatest Influencer of all, the Holy Spirit. Are you letting Him influence you? More ...

Doug Rowse

Purity, part 2

Maintaining purity in our lives begins with a decision. Will I live to barely squeak into Heaven or will I live to know Jesus in an intimate way? This study is all about making that important decision. More ...

Doug Rowse

Purity, part 1

Purity. It is more than a goal. It is actually the way God wants His children to live. This week we embark on a short series dealing with living pure lives. This study guide will help your group take it deeper. More ...

Doug Rowse

Raising Great Families

Raising great families is a team effort. Both parents AND children play a role in making it work. This week's bible lesson dives into the specific things we each must do to make our families great. More ...

Doug Rowse

HELP I need to CHANGE

Are you tired of making excuses for the things that need to change in your life? Us too! This study guide will help your Life Group follow up with the teaching on change from this Sunday. More ...

Doug Rowse

Growing Together

In this week's lesson we learn some practical ways that we can actually help each other to mature and grow up in Christ. Check it out! More ...

Doug Rowse

revelation

Each of us know something about God. Are we sharing it or holding it back? This study guide will help your group to begin sharing the good things that God has shared with them. More ...

Doug Rowse

demolition

Jesus came to heal our relationship with God. He also came to heal our relationship with others. This study guide will help your group deal with those walls that creep up between people. More ...

Doug Rowse

resurrection

Every time a person receives Jesus as their savior, they pass from death to life. They become "resurrected"! This study guide digs into Ephesians 2:1-10 and celebrates the new life we can have in Jesus! More ...

Doug Rowse

rethroning JESUS

I do not want a Jesus that I can beat up. Quite frankly, that is the image of Jesus that our pop culture has given us. This study takes us to the bible to get the real picture of Jesus as the Lord that He is. More ...

Doug Rowse

Invitation

We have been invited to the best party in the history of the universe! Today we begin our study of Ephesians. This book opens up with a clear invitation for anyone who wills, to join God's family. More ...

Doug Rowse

Uncommon Call

We have a high calling to love God, love our neighbors and make disciples. But often, seemingly good opportunities arise which distract us. How do we handle it? How do we keep from getting sidetracked? Check out this lesson! More ...

Doug Rowse

What parents need what children need

Healing. We all have broken places in our relationship with our children. Jesus wants to heal that and restore your unity as a family. This week in our Life Groups we will talk and pray about this issue. More ...

Doug Rowse

Your anger and the soul of your child

The bottom line is that our anger rubs off onto our children. This week we are seeking Jesus to remove any residual anger that is lying around in our souls. This lesson could be one of the most powerful yet! More ...

Doug Rowse

It takes Guts!

It takes guts to be a dad these days! This study guide follows up with our Father's Day teaching but it applies to all of us. What are you tempted to shrink back from? Jesus' teaching on prayer gives you the guts to persist! More ...

Doug Rowse

It takes Guts!

Doug Rowse

Family Devotions

This week's cell matters is geared to help families read the bible together. If your group has kids, it would be great to pick a day and do it together! Or, you can simply print this off and use at home with your family! Enjoy! More ...

Doug Rowse

HOMEFRONT part 2 Solo Christian Parents

Influencing our children with our faith is a hard job. It makes it even more difficult when our spouse is not with us. This study follows up from Sundays teaching on the "Solo Christian Parent". More ...

Doug Rowse

HOMEFRONT, part 1: Submission

People get skeeved out when they hear that they have to submit. But, submission is the grease that smooths the gears of any relationship. We cannot have healthy friendship without it. This study will explore those positive benefits. More ...

Doug Rowse

Disciple

Jesus has just one plan for changing the world. His plan is to make disciples. What does that mean? Our study guide this week will follow up with Sunday's teaching. May Jesus take us each deeper. More ...

Doug Rowse

Hallelujah

Hallelujah! For many, it is just a word to say when they get excited. But what does it really mean? This small group guide will follow up with Sunday's teaching on this really rich word. More ...

Doug Rowse

BAPTISM

This study guide goes along with our Sunday teaching on baptism. Your group will dive into the powerful symbolism in the act of baptism. More ...

Doug Rowse

EASTER 2008

This guide follows up with our Easter Sunday teaching on the cup. May God bless your group as you draw near to Jesus together! More ...

Doug Rowse

Worship, real worship

This small group guide looks at the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and addresses the need to get real and honest in our worship of Jesus. Be prepared to deal with some soul stuff as your group goes through this study! God bless. More ...

Doug Rowse

BLOOD

Our bodies cannot function without blood. Our souls cannot either. The bible makes it clear that without Jesus' blood, we are all dead and without hope. This study will explore this truth and apply it to our lives. More ...

Doug Rowse

Sin Judgment Atonement

These are some BIG words! This study guide will help your group sort through these complicated concepts. If you would like support, please call the church office with questions. More ...

Doug Rowse

Tithe

Tithing. It is without a doubt one of the most bothersome teachings of the Bible. Should a Christian tithe? What does it mean for our day? Let's see what the Bible says. This study guide will help. More ...

Doug Rowse

Predestination

Does God choose who goes to Heaven and who goes to hell? That is the question your group will attempt to tackle through this lesson. May God encourage your group as you grasp His awesome and wonderful plan for your lives. More ...

Doug Rowse

Grace and Mercy

Help! I need to change but I don't know how! This lesson is not comprehensive, but as your group focuses on God's grace, you definitely will find help. More ...

Doug Rowse

Theophany and Christophany

Welcome to our study series called "Bible Words". We will attempt to understand all those BIG words we hear in church! This week we will talk about Theophanies and Christophanies and where to find them in the Bible. More ...

Doug Rowse

Covenant, Part 3

This study follows up with the teaching on Sunday. We learned about what it means to be incarnational. Who is God reaching out to through you? More ...

Doug Rowse

Covenant, Part 2

This study guide focuses on keeping our unity strong. It follows up with the second teaching in our Covenant series. More ...

Doug Rowse

Covenant, Part 1

This study is designed to help your group talk through the aspects of our church covenant. As questions arise, please feel free to direct people to call one of our pastors. More ...

Doug Rowse

Nothing Impossible, Part III

This study is a follow up to Sunday's teaching titled Nothing Impossible, part 3. It will help your group to get a better understanding of what faith really is. More ...

Doug Rowse

Nothing Impossible II

God certainly wants to do something great with us. In the bible we see that God has a habit of making something from nothing. To do something great through your life, God may just use the very part where you expect it the least. More ...

Doug Rowse

Nothing Impossible I

Nothing is impossible with God. We believe it but do we really live it? Your group will explore the words of the angel to Mary in Luke 1:37 and begin to get excited about what God can do in their lives. More ...

Doug Rowse

Being a Bringer

Sometimes leading others to Jesus is as simple as an invitation to a Life Group meeting. Many people are waiting to be invited. Will you bring them in? This guide will help you to be a bringer. More ...

Doug Rowse

Disciple

What does it mean to be a disciple? Jesus told us to go and make disciples, so how can we do that? This study will help your group to work through what it means to be and to make disciples. God bless you! More ...

Doug Rowse

Bread

This study guide follows up our teaching called "Bread". God bless you as you dig deeper!! More ...

Doug Rowse