10 Jan ‘Lessons in Lazarus’ | Woonsocket
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Phil Wickham & special guest, Josh Baldwin, will be performing the Hymn of Heaven Tour at Waters Church North Attleboro on Sat, May 14, 2022!
Pre-sale password: HEAVEN
Ticket link: https://www.ticketweb.com/…/phil-wickham…/11394965…
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*************************************************************************************************Key Verse: John 11
Happy 2022 – Many people are anticipating ‘New Year, New Me’. They may search google and get results such as: ‘be a better person’, ‘ become more fit’, ‘get smarter’, ‘be independent’, ‘get financially stable’, ‘clean up my life’, OR maybe they search holy versions and find results such as: ‘find religion’, ‘go to church’, ‘get closer to God’, ‘read the Bible more’, ‘pray more’, ‘listen to worship music.’
We make holy version decisions because we know our faith is dead/weak and we want faith that is alive.
Ice-breaker:
Q. What might be your ‘New Year, New Me’ resolution(s)?
This New Year there can be a new me – NOT defined by this world but DEFINED by GOD
When the ‘new you’ does not rely on our works but relies on the work of the Lord.
Romans 6:1-11 ESV
When the Holy Spirit reveals the work of Jesus that was done for us, we will desire to: read the Bible more, pray more, serve His purposes, want others to know Christ, tithe, and worship Him despite our feelings, surroundings, and life circumstances. Knowing what Christ has done for us allows us to know the ‘newness of life” God has in store for us.
John 11:38-44 ESV
1. Lesson in Lazarus: God’s timing is not mine
John 11:6; John 11:17 ESV
The timing Martha and Mary expected didn’t take place. They did not get what they wanted, the way they wanted it, Jesus took His time.
John 11:21; John 11:32
Q. What Martha/Mary moment(s) have you had (i.e. ‘God, if only you had been there when _______________) and what purposes of God were revealed from these moments?
2 Peter 3:8 ESV; Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV; Acts 1:7 NLT; Psalm 27:14; Isaiah 40:31 ESV; Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV
If only I submit and wait on the Lord, my strength is renewed and I won’t be weary and my path will be made straight.
3. Lesson in Lazarus: Eternal life is found in Jesus
John 11:25-26 ESV
John 6:35 – Jesus gives life to the world.
John 1:5 – Jesus is the Truth, holiness, purity.
John 10:9 – Jesus is the only way to the Father.
John 10:11,14 – Jesus cares for and lays down his life for us.
John 11:25 – Only in Jesus is there eternal life.
John 14:6 – Jesus is the Only way to God.
John 15: 1,5 – Jesus causes growth in me.
John 11:33-38 ESV
Mary and the Jewish people were weeping, crying audible as a child. It was hysterical wailing and shrieking. The Jewish people believed the more unrestrained weeping, the more honor it paid to the dead. Weeping as the sign of pain and grief for the pain and grief of those who mourn for the dead. Jesus was deeply moved and greatly troubled (Greek definition of deeply moved is an angry snort). In other verses: Matthew 9:30 sternly warned, Mark 1:43 sternly charged, Mark 14:5 scolded her.
Q. How have you felt the pain and grief of someone who is mourning a loss and how have others helped you through pain and grief?
Jesus was deeply moved (angry and troubled) not so much sad but because of the destruction and power of the great enemy of humanity: death. Jesus would soon break the dominating power of death. Jesus was greatly moved but not out of control. Jesus was truly a man, was acquainted with grief, and was not ashamed of His humanity. He identified with others in their sorrow. Jesus loves people.
Q. How does knowing that Jesus identifies with your sorrows comfort you in times of trouble?
3. Lessons in Lazarus: Jesus sees life when I see death.
John 11:43-44 ESV
Throughout John chapter 11, Jesus addresses faith and believing. He directly asks Martha if she believes Jesus is who He says He is.
John 11:39-41 ESV
Jesus has them ACT on their faith BEFORE he raises Lazarus. Sometimes God wants us to take a step of faith before we see His glory. First, we move the stone away and THEN see the glory of God. Some of us are waiting to receive and experience God’s glory but we need to first take a step of faith.
Q. What is something you are waiting on God for that you need to first step out in faith (examples: committing to tithing, praying for others not yourself, reading the Bible even when it does not make sense, committing to church and getting connected, serving)?
Q. What grave is Jesus calling you out of (i.e. anxiety, hatred, animosity, addiction, etc)?
If you have received Christ, then it is time you be baptized. Baptism is a declaration that you were once dead and Jesus has me you ALIVE!
Jesus makes us alive and unbinds what sin has bound.
4. Lesson in Lazarus: Jesus’s teaching and actions have always divided.
John 11:45-46 ESV
Throughout John chapter 11, Jesus indicates that his actions are so others may believe. John 11:15, 26. 40, and 42.
The mighty work Jesus has done in us Christians will be used by Him so that others will believe in Him. Our story for His glory.
For the seeker, skeptic, unbeliever: Jesus has mighty work for you. First, He is calling you out of the grave of sin and into eternal life!
SERMON IN A SENTENCE
Jesus calls me out of my grave of death & sin into a life with Him.
Challenge: Step out if faith this week, make a commitment to tithe, serve, pray for others, read your Bible, etc. and watch God move in your life!
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