Main Idea || We are made alive with Christ. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NLT) Genesis 2:8–9 (NLT) 8 Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made. 9 The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Being alive with Christ means: your past is . your present is . 2 Corinthians 5:14–15 (NLT) Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. your future is . Revelation 2:7 (NLT) 7 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION: 1. Have you ever thought through what it means to be “alive with Christ?” If so, how have you contextualized that? Physically? Spiritually? 2. Being “alive with Christ” means our past is forgiven and our present is meaningful. How could really believing that change the way you view your story and the new purpose God's given you? 3. The Bible is full to the brim with garden imagery. How might leaning into Spring (seeds, soil, sunlight, new growth) help us see a more complete picture of God's story? How might it help prepare you to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus in a few weeks? 4. Being “alive with Christ” means our future is glorious. When you think about your forever life, do you picture a renewed/restored earth? What “signposts” have you experienced that look/feel/smell/taste/sound "new-earthy?”.