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Welcome to this week's message from our church, right here in the heart of our community. Today, Cornelius shared a powerful reflection on legacy, blessing, and the unwavering power of belief, drawing inspiration from the biblical account of Jacob's final blessings to his grandsons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Cornelius began with a relatable anecdote, a momentary scare involving a 97-year-old aunt who mistakenly believed she was nearing the end of her life. This lighthearted opening served as a poignant parallel to the main narrative: Jacob, at the ripe age of 147, propped up in bed, ready to impart his final words to his son Joseph and his grandsons. What do you say at the end of a long life? What words of impact can you leave for the next generation? Cornelius pondered this question, highlighting the significance of Jacob's impending blessing upon Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. He poignantly recalled the recent passing of his own father, underscoring the weight and potential significance of such final pronouncements. While acknowledging the length of Genesis chapter 48, the passage detailing this scene, Cornelius focused on the serene and profound nature of the encounter. He referenced Rembrandt's 350-year-old painting depicting Jacob blessing the two grandsons, capturing the essence of this pivotal moment. What is the lasting inheritance, the ultimate blessing, one can bestow upon the generations to come? Cornelius then delved into key aspects of Jacob's final words. Firstly, Jacob reminisced about the loss of Rachel, his beloved wife, a deeply significant event in his life. Secondly, he recalled his transformative encounter with God at Bethel, a moment that irrevocably shaped his journey. Meeting God, Cornelius affirmed, changes everything. Thirdly, Jacob spoke of the "walk" of Abraham and Isaac, emphasizing the foundational faith of their lineage. Here, Cornelius drew a powerful connection to the defining characteristic of Abraham's life: his unwavering belief in God. "Abraham believed God," Cornelius declared, emphasizing the profound simplicity and power of this statement. He encouraged each listener to personalize it: "Cornelius believed God." This act of faith, he asserted, is what unlocks God's promises. He seamlessly transitioned to the teachings of Jesus, highlighting the central role of belief in the New Testament. He cited John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Amen. Cornelius illustrated this further with the stories of Jairus, whose daughter had died (Mark 5:21-43), and Martha, grieving the loss of her brother Lazarus (John 11:17-44). In both instances, Jesus's response centered on the imperative of belief: "Just believe," and "I am the resurrection and the life. Do you believe this?" This emphasis on belief extends to us today, Cornelius affirmed. God has a plan, purpose, promises, and blessings for each individual, especially new believers, and for the church as a whole, mentioning his personal connection to the promises for "MCF" (presumably the church's initials). He passionately prayed for the people of Jordan, Thorpe, and Batemore, urging the congregation to believe in God's power to save. Addressing potential doubts, Cornelius encouraged listeners to "leave your buts out," echoing Abraham's unwavering faith even when faced with seemingly impossible circumstances – receiving the promise of a son at the age of 100. Abraham believed, Cornelius reiterated. Moving on to the concept of blessing, Cornelius offered a practical definition: "empowered to prosper." God doesn't just hand out provisions; He equips us with the means, talents, and opportunities to thrive. He wants to bless us abundantly. Quoting Psalm 23:6: "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life," Cornelius shared personal experiences from Mozambique and Sheffield, testifying to the continuous flow of God's blessings through all seasons of life. Cornelius outlined three pillars that define this blessing: God looks after us, He protects us, and He leads us. This comprehensive care brings peace into our lives, a vital message, particularly for new Christians. However, he acknowledged that this doesn't equate to an easy life. Drawing on his three decades of experience in Mozambique, he recounted tales of war, famine, and death, moments where coping felt impossible. Yet, in those very moments, God's promise held true. He then shared the powerful words of Isaiah 41:13: "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." This verse, Cornelius revealed, provided immense strength in navigating life's challenges, likening life's difficulties to a dense bush where the path forward is unclear. God's promise is to take us by the hand and guide us through. Contrasting God's life-giving nature with the destructive intentions of the enemy, Cornelius quoted John 10:10: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." It is1 through Jesus, Cornelius emphasized, that we receive true blessing and step into the abundant life God has promised, a life unique to each individual. He acknowledged the reality of "curses" and hardships that can hinder blessing, particularly within the local community of Jordan, Thorpe, and Batemore, drawing parallels to the hardships he witnessed in Africa. These negative forces, he explained, aim to diminish faith and prevent progress. Yet, the answer remains the same: Jesus. Through Jesus, we can overcome these obstacles. Returning to the narrative of Jacob, Cornelius referenced a 1250 Middle Ages depiction of the blessing, highlighting the unusual detail of Jacob crossing his hands. This detail, he explained, is significant to the story. Jacob, partially blind, was guided to place his hands on Manasseh, the firstborn, and Ephraim, the second. However, intentionally, Jacob crossed his arms, placing his right hand, the hand of greater blessing, on Ephraim, and his left on Manasseh. Cornelius explained that the names themselves hold meaning related to Joseph's journey. Manasseh, meaning "forget," symbolized Joseph's overcoming of past hardships and the loss of his father's household through the birth of his son. Ephraim, meaning "fruitful," signified God's blessing of productivity and prosperity in the land of Joseph's affliction. By crossing his hands, Jacob prophetically reversed the natural order. Affliction, symbolized by the firstborn, Manasseh, was moving backward, while prosperity and fruitfulness, symbolized by Ephraim, were moving forward. "Your pain is past," Cornelius declared, interpreting Jacob's action. "Your time of prosperity has come." This blessing, he asserted, is for us too. Even in times of pain and hardship, Cornelius reminded the congregation, God is present, echoing the recurring statement in the story of Joseph: "God was with him." Just as God took Joseph through the pit, slavery, and prison, He takes us by the hand through our difficulties. The message of Genesis 48, Cornelius concluded, is one of hope: we will come out of our afflictions and difficulties. God has a blessing, a plan, and a purpose for our lives, and He will bring it to pass. The key, however, is to believe. Bible References: Genesis 48: The entire chapter detailing Jacob's blessing of Manasseh and Ephraim. John 3:16: The core message of salvation through belief in Jesus Christ. Mark 5:21-43: The account of Jairus's daughter being raised from the dead through Jesus's power and Jairus's belief. John 11:17-44: The story of Lazarus's resurrection and Jesus's dialogue with Martha about belief and eternal life. Psalm 23:6: A declaration of God's continuous goodness and mercy. Isaiah 41:13: God's promise of help and reassurance in times of fear. John 10:10: Jesus's purpose to bring abundant life, contrasting with the thief's destructive intentions. Transcript Jesus Christ amen The first one is a little story that happened a few months ago. We got a text message from Sarah's auntie who was 97 and she was in hospital and she said I'm dying, I just want to say thank you for everything you've done and I want to say goodbye. And that was it. So Sarah was quite shocked. She got a bit upset about it. But then half an hour later she got a message saying from Seth George saying there's nothing wrong with her, she's in hospital for the very first time and she thinks she's dying because she's coming out. But our story today is a bit like that. Joseph was called to his father as his father was dying. So his father was propped up in bed and Joseph went to his father to hear the last words he had to say. So Joseph came to his father, hang on, came to Jacob. Jacob was propped up and there you are at the end of your life. Jacob was 147 years. What do you say at the end of your life? You have a few words still maybe when you are dying. Where is the next generation? His son and his two grandsons and Joseph sort of considered Joseph as the first born and now he is going to say something. What do you say for the next generation? How can you still impact the next generation? Your son or your grandson? My dad died last year, he was 90. He died suddenly so there were not many words said anymore. But if you have the time, I'm sure Jeff would have some words to say. Well, this picture gives a very beautiful scene actually of that chapter 48. I'm not going to read it because it's going to take too long. But that chapter is very, very serene. It's Jacob there with Joseph coming and his son and it is a bit like this. This picture is from Rembrandt, it's 350 years old and it is Rembrandt blessing the two sons Manasseh and Ephraim. That's what the story is about. It's just a part of it. The last blessing of Jacob to his sons. What do you give your last generation? Now when we read that chapter 48, we can extract a few things. Jacob speaks first of all, he speaks about Rachel dying which was truly a big thing in his life. It was his big love in his life so that was a big thing. But then he speaks about Bethel, that he had that experience with the Lord in Bethel which was a big thing for him. Meeting the Lord in Bethel, it changed his life. When you meet the Lord, I met the Lord and it changed everything. Then the second thing, he talks about the walk of Abraham and Isaac. The walk because there is where it started. We have generations here. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and here he is going to bless Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim. But he talks about the walk of Abraham. If we think about the walk of Abraham, it was amazing. Abraham had such a life. The whole of Genesis, what we read about Abraham obeying God, being called by God, receiving covenants, promises and he received the promise that he would get a son. But if I think about that whole and read that whole scene of Abraham, what really touches me and what I really take away from it is the next slide. Abraham believed God. From all of Genesis, I think the most important for all of us, Abraham believed God. It's so powerful. You can put your own name in there, you know. Cornelius believed God. I want that, you know, for everything. I want to believe God for his promises. For everything he's spoken to me. For the word of God. I want to believe every word of it. I do believe it, but sometimes I fail. I want to believe it. Everything he did. And then we can take it forward to Jesus because Jesus really he encouraged and spoke a lot about just belief. Just John 3 16 is what? John 3 16. Whoever believes, whoever believes will have eternal life. Amen. When we believe. And there's lots of those stories. When Jairus came, his daughter had died. And he came through the crowds to Jesus. And there he said, Jesus, it's too late. You don't need to come anymore. Jesus turned around. What did he say? Just believe. When Martha came towards Jesus because her brother had died. And there he came and he said, if you would have been here, he wouldn't have died. What did he say? I am the resurrection and the life. Do you believe, Martha? She said, yes, I believe. Again, believe. To trust him. And that we can take forward to us today. What about your promises, the promises you have? Maybe you haven't, you're new, you're a new believer. God has a plan and purpose for your life. Amen. God has promises, has blessings for you. We're going to talk a little bit about those blessings. But as well, God has blessings for the church, for MCF. I pray at 146, I love the promises God has for this church. Great things are happening. And they're ahead of us. Do you believe? Do you believe? Hallelujah. Only by faith we will get those promises. They will, like Abraham, like Abraham, those promises came to pass. Like today, because Abraham has moved away, Abraham is in heaven. We are here today. It's up to us now. Do we believe? Those promises for Jordan, Thorpe and Batemore, for the people of Jordan, Thorpe and Batemore. God will save each one of them. We pray for them. Do you believe? You see maybe many buts, buts, we see lots of buts. But leave your buts out. Like Abraham, Abraham was 100 when he got the promise that he would receive a son. He was 90, but he got it when he was 100. Do you think that was normal? You know? Jeff, Jeff, you're going to get a son. So like, Pauline, Pauline. Abraham believed. Amen. We'll move on to the next slide. Blessing, because God has blessings for us when we believe. God has blessings for us. Now, just the definition, there are many definitions of blessing, but a good one is empowered to prosper. God wants to empower us to prosper. He wants to give you a net to go fishing and say, on your way now. He doesn't want to give you just a load of money or a load of fish. No, he wants to give you a job and the rest of it and the gifts and talents and say, on your way now. He wants to bless you. And blessings will be all over you. If God says, I bless you. Gil, next slide. As God says, I bless you. He will bless you. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. It doesn't stop. When I went to Mozambique, I had seen God's blessing on my life. And there we were in Mozambique, among the poorest of the poor. And I thought, maybe it stops now. No, it didn't stop. Now we're here in Sheffield and I think, is this the end? No, it isn't. No, it continues. All the days of my life. All the days of your life. It doesn't stop. Amen. Next slide. So there are three pillars which define that blessing. And this is really like, I look after you. He wants to provide for us. He wants to protect you. And he wants to lead you. It is really a full package of peace upon your life. And I think especially new believers, new Christians need to hear that. God is really with you. God really loves you. And God really wants to bless you. He wants to look after you. He wants to protect you. And he wants to lead you. Does it mean that life is easy? No. Life has lots of difficulties. I lived three decades in Mozambique and I've been through lots of difficulties. And I can tell stories of war, of famine, of death. We've been through a lot. That you think like, I cannot cope with this. I cannot cope with this. And he said, no you can. Can you do the next one? I am the Lord your God who takes you with the right hand. And says to you, do not fear I will help you. Now this verse might help someone today. Because it helped me to cope and to come through life. He says, I will take you by the hand. And I say, yes Lord I need to be taken by the hand. Because I cannot cope, I cannot cope. I take you by the hand. And he says, don't fear. Keep on going, keep on going. I will help you. And life feels like a thick bush sometimes. And we don't see a way forward. But he said, I'll take you through. It's okay. You're going through. Keep going, keep going. Next one. John 10, 10. We already spoke about John 3, 16. And already, Lara already mentioned this as well. The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. But Jesus came to give life, life more abundantly. It is all about Jesus. It is really Jesus who will help us, bless us. And take us into the life he has promised us. And the promise he has for you and the life he has for you is different than the one that is for you. And different from the one that is for me. We all have a plan and purpose. But there is another side as well. Next one. The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. There are lots of difficulties in life. There are a lot of, there is curses running through. When we look at Jordan, Thorpe and Batemore. When I come from Africa and seen hardships and difficulties. I've seen curses operating. I know that curses are operating in people's life and holds people from being blessed. But again and again I say, Jesus, you need Jesus in your life. And through Jesus, you will come through. You will come through. Don't want to talk much about curses. But know that they are there. And they will hold you, withhold you from moving forward. And the worst thing is, it wants to diminish your faith. You know, it wants to weaken your faith that you will give up. That you will not believe. That you will give up. Amen. Next one. I'm going back. Still got three minutes. I'm going back to Jacob. This picture is about from 1250. So this is a really old picture from the Middle Ages. And it shows us very clearly Jacob blessing Manasseh and Ephraim. Amazing that they made this picture. And do you see something unusual here? It's got the hands crossed. Well that's in the story as well. Because Jacob was a little blind. And Jacob asked the boys to come forward. Manasseh and Ephraim. And now Manasseh and Ephraim, those two names, they speak about the life of Joseph. Now Manasseh was the first born. Next one. Manasseh was the first born. And when he was born, Joseph said, God has made me forget all my hardships and all my father's household. He has forget by having a new son, having born a son, new life. He said, God, in the life, in the land of my affliction, he has given me a son. He gives me joy. He has forgotten, it has forgotten my hardships. That's the name Manasseh. So Joseph really was dealing with his past. This was his past. And then he got a second son. Next one. And that's Ephraim. And then he said, now God has made me fruitful. God has made me fruitful, productive, prosperous in the land of my affliction. So now there is a sort of healing taking place in Joseph, in those two boys. First it is really the affliction and the pain. But the second one, now he sort of feels like prosperity has come to my life, blessing has come into my life. That's the second one. And then, next one, we go back to this picture. Then he is going to bless those two sons and normally the first born would get the blessing, the first blessing and would get a double portion of the inheritance. But in this case, Jacob, he turned them around. He turned those arms around. And he makes the first born, he makes the first, the second and the second, the first born. Because affliction is now going backwards. Prosperity, productiveness, fruitfulness is going forward. And by crossing them he said, your pain is past. Prophetically, I believe, he said, your pain has passed. Your time of prosperity has come. And I bless you two boys with this blessing. Your affliction, your pain is passing. But now prosperity, productivity, blessing has come. So he has turned it around and that is often our lives. You know, if you feel pain and you are going through hardship, know that God is in that hardship. Because even Joseph, in his difficulties, Joseph, when he went into the pit, when he went into slavery, when he went into prison, it says it again and again, God was with him. And he prospered. Right there, God is with him. Like I said, even in your difficulties, God says, I take you by the hand and will take you through. So even when you go through difficulties, know you are coming out. You are coming out. You are not going to stay there. And that is really the message of today of this Genesis 48. That you will come out of your affliction. You will come out of your difficulties. God has a blessing for you. He has a plan and purpose for your life. And he will make it come to pass. But believe. You must believe. And that is the story of today. And that is two minutes past quarter two. Hallelujah.
April 13, 2025 Worship Service Downloads & Resources: Order of Service:
Life is filled with moments of joy, but also deep sorrow. In this message, Pastor Tim Dunn starts the Grief series with "God is Good, But…"—a powerful look at how we navigate loss and suffering while holding onto faith. Through the story of Lazarus (John 11), we explore the tension between God's goodness and our grief, finding comfort in His presence even in our darkest moments. If you're wrestling with loss, this message will encourage you to trust that even in pain, God is at work. Drawing from 1 Samuel and 2 Corinthians 12, Pastor Dunn explores how God often develops leaders in the hidden places before revealing them to the world. If you've ever felt overlooked, discouraged, or uncertain about your calling, this message will encourage you to embrace the process, trust God's timing, and understand that great leaders are forged in the caves before they wear the crowns.Through stories of David facing Goliath, Elisha's vision of angelic armies, and the promises of God's protection, Pastor Dunn reminds us that no battle we face is greater than the power of the Lord of Hosts. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, outnumbered, or uncertain, this message will encourage you to trust in Jehovah Sabaoth—the God who goes before you and fights for you.
Jesus's raising of Lazarus proves his authority over death, offering us confidence in his promise of eternal life and setting the stage for the cross.
Jesus's raising of Lazarus proves his authority over death, offering us confidence in his promise of eternal life and setting the stage for the cross.
Jesus's raising of Lazarus proves his authority over death, offering us confidence in his promise of eternal life and setting the stage for the cross.
Pastor Philip Jeffries Meadowthorpe Baptist Church http://www.meadowthorpebaptistchurch.com 330 Larch Lane, Lexington, KY 40511 (859) 523-3815
The Death of Lazarus - John 11: 1-16 - Simon Cansdale - 9th March 2025 by Christ Church Winchester
In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastors Jen and Melissa introduce our Lenten series, "Bewildered." Lent is a season of reflection, trust, and transformation—where faith isn't about having all the answers but learning to navigate the wilderness with God. Through the story of Lazarus (John 11), we'll explore how disorientation can lead to deeper faith. Tune in as we embrace the journey together! Find questions for discussion and reflection at st.lukes.org/podcast. Join a new group during Lent! Visit st.lukes.org/lent for a full list.
Continuing in our theme of a God of New Beginnings, Dr Peter Rogers (one of the Elders of Liberty Family Church) takes us into the story of the resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:1-44). Peter considers how his resurrection would have changed Lazarus' life. Peter makes the case that such miracles bring faith, confirm faith and increase faith.
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In this message, we explore the difficult task of comforting grieving families, especially those who don't yet fully understand the hope found in Christ. Through the story of Lazarus (John 11), we learn that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life, offering hope even in death. We dive into three important questions for believers: Do you believe? What do you believe? Do you act on your belief? Discover how Jesus calls us to help others remove the grave clothes of sin and step into the freedom He offers. Jesus is Life—in Him, we have true hope. I AM | Cody King Stonepointchurch.com
In this message, we explore the difficult task of comforting grieving families, especially those who don't yet fully understand the hope found in Christ. Through the story of Lazarus (John 11), we learn that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life, offering hope even in death. We dive into three important questions for believers: Do you believe? What do you believe? Do you act on your belief? Discover how Jesus calls us to help others remove the grave clothes of sin and step into the freedom He offers. Jesus is Life—in Him, we have true hope. I Am | Archie Engledow www.stonepointchurch.com
Sunday, 24th November 2024 John 11:1-46 Close encounters... Lazarus Khumbulani Sibanda preaching
Matthew 28:1–7 (ESV) Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” Jesus Wasn't The Only Or The First ResurrectionThe Shunammite's Son - 2 Kings 4:33–35 (ESV) So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the LORD. Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm. Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.The Unnamed Man & Elisha's Grave - 2 Kings 13:20–21 (ESV) So Elisha died, and they buried him. Now bands of Moabites used to invade the land in the spring of the year. And as a man was being buried, behold, a marauding band was seen and the man was thrown into the grave of Elisha, and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.Jairus' Daughter - Mark 5:41–42 (ESV) Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.Lazarus - John 11:43–44 (ESV) When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”The Graveyard Near Golgotha - Matthew 27:50–53 (ESV) And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.Dorcas (Tabitha) - Acts 9:40–41 (ESV) But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.ONE DIFFERENCE: Every one of these went on to die again.Jesus' Resurrection Was DifferentHe Wasn't Easily Recognized - John 20:14–16 (ESV) Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).He Was Able To Appear/Disappear - Luke 24:36 (ESV) As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!”He Maintained His Scars - John 20:27–28 (ESV) Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”He Didn't Die But Ascended Into Heaven - Acts 1:9 (ESV) And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. He Promised To Return By Descending - Acts 1:10–11 (ESV) And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”Our Future:Resurrection or… - 1 Corinthians 15:21–23, 47-49 (ESV) For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.Transformation - 1 Corinthians 15:51–52 (ESV) Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.
Together Group Questions What is one of the best trips you have ever been on? What stands out to you about Jesus in this narrative and how does that challenge or affirm your beliefs about Him? Have you ever felt God was delaying something? How did you respond? What kinds of things helped you? What kind of things hindered you? This isn't the only time someone has felt God delaying in their life. In both the narrative of Jesus raising Lazarus (John 11:1-44) and the Life of King David (1 Sam 16:1-13 & 2 Sam 5:1-4: approx 15 yrs) there were delays. Read these passages and discuss; What insights can we draw from these other examples of God's delay and how do these apply to our lives? Luke 8:40-56 ends a section of Scripture (Luke 8:22-56) which highlights Jesus' power over nature, demons, sickness, and death. What is the value of seeing Jesus' power over both the physical and the spiritual world? How does this demonstration of his all-encompassing power strengthen our trust in him? Close in Prayer by going around your group and answering the question: What are some areas in your life where you feel God is delaying and how can we pray for you in those areas for our good and His glory?
Together Group Questions What is one of the best trips you have ever been on? What stands out to you about Jesus in this narrative and how does that challenge or affirm your beliefs about Him? Have you ever felt God was delaying something? How did you respond? What kinds of things helped you? What kind of things hindered you? This isn't the only time someone has felt God delaying in their life. In both the narrative of Jesus raising Lazarus (John 11:1-44) and the Life of King David (1 Sam 16:1-13 & 2 Sam 5:1-4: approx 15 yrs) there were delays. Read these passages and discuss; What insights can we draw from these other examples of God's delay and how do these apply to our lives? Luke 8:40-56 ends a section of Scripture (Luke 8:22-56) which highlights Jesus' power over nature, demons, sickness, and death. What is the value of seeing Jesus' power over both the physical and the spiritual world? How does this demonstration of his all-encompassing power strengthen our trust in him? Close in Prayer by going around your group and answering the question: What are some areas in your life where you feel God is delaying and how can we pray for you in those areas for our good and His glory?
John 11:1-44 / The Raising of Lazarus
WHAT CATCHES THE EYE AND HEART OF GOD? Part 7 Surprises-part two 1. IT'S SURPRISING THAT GOD SPEAKS TO US Deism and Theism Deism suggests--God created the world much like clock maker would create a clock, and God wound it up and tossed it out into the universe to just let it run on its own. Theism suggests--God created the world much like a Father with children and He remains intimately involved with His creation. “God SAID, ‘Let there be light and there was light…'” Genesis 1:3 “Long ago God SPOKE many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets.” Hebrews 1:1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God…So the Word became human and made his home among us.” John 1:1, 14 I MUST BE READY 2. IT'S SURPRISING HOW GOD SPEAKS TO US God speaks through the Bible The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point. 2 Timothy 3:16 Get a modern translation of the Bible and Read it. God speaks through gifted teachers When we preached to you, you didn't think of the words as being just our own, but you accepted it as the very Word of God -- which, of course, it was -- and it changed your lives. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 We do not speak in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, as we explain spiritual truths. 1 Corinthians 2:13 Make Sunday a priority...be here every week when possible God speaks through quiet promptings The Holy Spirit will be your teacher and will bring to your mind all that I have said to you. John 14:26 11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. 13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:11-13 “Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10 To hear God's still voice, I must get still 3. IT'S SURPRISING WHEN GOD SPEAKS TO US God Speaks IN PAIN Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways. Proverbs 20:30 God Speaks ON TIME The Lesson from Murline: God is not always on our time, but God is always on time! Story of Lazarus--John 11
Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and LazarusJn 11:19-27Jesus told her,"I am the resurrection and the life;whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die.Do you believe this?"She said to him, "Yes, Lord.I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God,the one who is coming into the world."
Verse by verse study through the book of John Chapter Twelve and Verse Eleven
Verse by verse study through the book of John Chapter Twelve and Verse Nine
This week, we explored John 11, focusing on Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead and the insights we gain into Christ's character through His interactions.
These messages are from Ocean City Baptist Church in Ocean City, NJ. Visit oceancitybaptist.org for more information.
Verse by verse study through the book of John Chapter Eleven and Verse Thirty Six
Verse by verse study through the book of John Chapter Eleven and Verse One
The Raising of Lazarus | John 10:31-11:44
More Than a Song - Discovering the Truth of Scripture Hidden in Today's Popular Christian Music
CLICK HERE for the episode guide to help you connect with Scripture through this song.To count our blessings is to name them and acknowledge our gratitude for the good things God has blessed us with. Seph Schlueter sings of this in his song "Counting My Blessings," and I use it to catapult us into the world of Jesus to see how He gave thanks in all circumstances.Let's explore Scripture together to deepen our knowledge as we practice giving thanks in our lives.In this episode, I discuss the following:Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Reading in contextListen to an audio version of the textRepetitionMake a listComplete a word studyMeditate on ScriptureConsider the oppositeEpisode GuideReading all of 1 Thessalonians as inspired by 1 Thessalonians 5:18Making a list of what Paul is thankful for as an example of how to make a list of our ownAsking the question, "What does giving thanks look like in Scripture?""One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are" by Ann Voskamp - Amazon Paid LinkAn interview by Kirk Cameron with Ann Voskamp - YouTube VideoLearning to be on the hunt for things to be thankful forActually taking action -- to give thanks is a verbGreek word for "to give thanks" - eucharisteo - BibleHub Word StudyThe times Jesus eucharisteoat the Last Supper - Luke 22:17-19, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Hebrews 12:2at the Feeding of the 5000 - John 6:11-13, 23at the resurrection of Lazarus - John 11:38-44How miracles, provision, fullness, resurrection, and life are on the other side of giving thanksConsidering the opposite of how Jesus gave thanks sinful people described as NOT giving thanks - Romans 1:21hypocritical religious man giving thanks in a presumptuous and arrogant fashion - Luke 18:11using our words to give thanks rather than foolish talk - Ephesians 5:4Reading Scriptures about giving thanks won't transform you unless you allow them to inform what you think about giving thanks, and then actually PRACTICE giving thanks.Additional ResourcesLyrics - NewReleaseToday.comThe story behind the song "Counting My Blessings" by Seph Schlueter - YouTube Short"One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are" by Ann Voskamp - Amazon Paid LinkAn interview by Kirk Cameron with Ann Voskamp - YouTube VideoMy favorite Bible Study Software - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeSpend some time in 1 Thessalonians. Make a list of what Paul is thankful for. Then, make your own list of things you are thankful for. Be imitators of Christ in your eucharisteo. Read about Christ giving Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.
“Death used to be an executioner, but the gospel has made him a gardener.” – George Herbert It's the thing no one wants to talk about, but what every human will eventually face. Despite our best medical advances and enjoyable distractions, death is inescapable. But two thousand years ago, as he comforted a beloved friend whose home had been visited by death, Jesus Christ proclaimed: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”In this special Easter message, Nussbaum Chaplain Jim Revelle helps us face the taboo topic of death – not with resolve or human courage, but through faith in the power of Jesus' death and resurrection. Far from being the end, Jim reminds us that death for followers of Jesus is actually the door to real, eternal life. The question is, will we believe? FROM TODAY'S PODCAST• Guest: Jim Revelle, Corporate Chaplains of America• Story of Lazarus: John 11• Jesus, the Pioneer: Hebrews 2:10• Where is Your Sting? 1 Corinthians 15LET'S CONNECTVisit us online at terminalexchange.org Follow The Terminal Exchange on social media! • Facebook• Instagram • Twitter ABOUT NUSSBAUM Employee-Owned, Purpose Driven | Nussbaum is an industry leader in over-the-road freight transportation. For more information on our award-winning services and top-paying driver careers, visit nussbaum.com or nussbaumjobs.com.
The Raising of Lazarus - John 11:1-44
Join us as we journey with Jesus as He spends the last days before the cross. We start His journey in John 11 as we see Jesus show His love for Lazarus but also seals His fate with the Jews who want to kill Him.
The Gospel of John shows us five responses to the raising of Lazarus… John 11:45-57, John 12:1-8
This week John speaks about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.
The Gospel of John details 7 specific miracles to defeat unbelief and point to the nature of Jesus. These culminate in the raising of Lazarus… John 20:30-31, John 11:17-44
Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave after four days. Why did Jesus ask where Lazarus was laid? Why did Jesus wait four days to arrive at the tomb?
In this week's podcast, Pastor Tim and Johnny take a deep dive into one of Jesus most impacting miracles in his ministry, Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. They also explain how this single miracle would just not impact those there to witness but those who hear of it and how there hearts and minds would be changed.They also take time to answer this week's PSPQ Question in our PSPQ segment (Post Sunday Podcast Questions). If you have a question regarding any of our episodes, dm us on our instagram and TikTok accounts or email us at postsundaypodcast@gmail.com Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and leave a 5 star REVIEW on Spotify & iTunes. To find and access more resources go to: www.genesischurchorlando.com/theneverendingstory Social Media at:Instagram @postsundaypodcastYoutube.com/postsundaypodcastTiktok @postsunday.podcastTwitter @postsundaypodcastThread @postsundaypodcastAlso if you are in sunny Orlando, FL come and join us live Sunday's at 8:15am, 9:30am &11:00amYoutube.com/genesischurchorlando.com facebook.com/genesischurchorlando.com
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Bible Study: (1:51) Ex 3:1-6, 9-12 What's the purpose of miracles & angels? Letters (19:30) - Can hosts be consecrated outside of Mass? (22:12) - At any RATE! (22:51) - Jesus, tears, and death of Lazarus (John 11:35) (27:56) - I'm Orthodox and my husband is Catholic, can I receive communion? Word of the Day: Wise? (36:19) Callers (37:31) - Did having the parents get the children ready for 1st communion make the kids more engaged in their faith? (43:42) - Luke 2:40. What is the significance of this passage? And, was Paul's name really changed or not? (48:48) - Were there roosters in Jerusalem during Jesus' Passion?
The Raising of Lazarus John 11:1-44
Why did Jesus let Lazarus die?What is the shortest verse in the Bible?How can you help someone who is grieving?Why does Mary break perfume on Jesus's feet?Why did Jesus enter Jerusalem after fleeing capture?This week, David and I read through chapters 11 and 12, covering the raising of Lazarus, the different ways he ministers to Mary and Martha in thier grief, and the triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We had some really great discussions on grief and Jesus speaking on the trinity, so grab your Bibles and come read with us.We need your support! Support from listeners like you keeps Come Read with Me going, so please consider donating at www.burningheart.org/comereadwithme.If you're not already, make sure to follow Chris on instagram for 60 sermons on @revchris7, and make sure to give David a follow on @burningheartorg.Come Read with Me, with Rev Chris and David Ingall is produced by the Listenarium. Original music by Jack Gionis.
I. Truth and Religion A. Framing the great debate on religion and spiritualityTaking objective truth seriously in a pluralistic, postmodern setting B. The appeal of the oneness claim (all religions teach basically the same thing): religious strife is eliminated. But this must be logically tested. II. What are Truth Claims in Religion? A. Defining the nature of truth: that which corresponds to objective reality. For more on this, see Douglas Groothuis, Truth Decay (InterVarsity Press, 2000), chapter four. B. Defining a truth-claim: a statement that claims to describe objective reality C. The logic of truth-claims—rules of the intellectual system, rational analysis 1. The law of noncontradiction: A is not non-A (contradictory statements cannot both be true; nothing possesses contradictory properties) 2. Examples of the law of noncontradiction in religious truth-claims a. Buddha cannot be enlightened and not enlightened at the same time; the claim is that he became enlightened. b. Jesus cannot be the Christ (Messiah) and not be the Christ (Messiah). The claim is he always was the Messiah. c. If what Buddha affirms about reality contradicts what Jesus affirms about reality, then both Buddha's and Jesus' view of reality cannot be true. They could both be false if some other worldview is true. A. This fundamental law of logic is a necessary assumption for all rational discourse. III. Similarities Between Jesus and Buddha A. Both are world-historical founders of major religions B. Their lives are enshrined in sacred texts C. Both exhibited profound compassion and gathered followers D. Both emphasized the need to find enduring peace E. Both taught basic ethical teachings on love and respect, versions of the Golden Rule IV. Jesus and Buddha: Key Differences of Worldview A. Do two major religions agree on core issues or disagree? If they disagree, they cannot be one in essence; cannot both true B. Documents on Jesus and Buddha 1. Buddha: Large body of texts far removed in history from life of Buddha. Miracles are not central to the message (dharma) of Buddha. 2. Jesus: Four Gospels (and the rest of the New Testament) are written a few decades after Jesus' time on earth by eyewitnesses or those who consulted them. Miracles are central to the message of Jesus. See Douglas Groothuis, On Jesus, chapter two. C. The worldview of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha (ca. 566-486 BCE) 1. Ultimate reality or the sacred—atheistic or agnostic on God; but nirvana exists 2. The human condition—suffering is due to craving and ignorance 3. Spiritual liberation/salvation a. “Four noble truths”—freedom from craving through insight into the cause of suffering 1. Life is suffering2. Suffering is caused by craving3. The cessation of craving leads to liberation4. The way of liberation is through the Eightfold path b. The Eightfold path—wisdom, ethical conduct, mental discipline c. The afterlife: reincarnation/karma or nirvana (release from reincarnation) D. The worldview of Jesus, the Christ (Messiah) 1. Ultimate reality—a personal and moral Creator God (Matthew 22:37-39) 2. Human condition—image bearers of God estranged from God (Mark 7:21-23; See Romans 3:14-26 also) 3. Spiritual liberation/salvation a. Repentance; turning from self-centeredness (sin) to God's authority (Matthew 4:1: Luke 24:45-47) b. Belief and trust in Jesus himself for eternal life (John 1:12-13; 3:16; 14:6; Romans 10:9). You have to do something with Jesus c. The redemptive power of the suffering death (Cross) of Jesus Christ (Matthew 20:28; 25-28; Romans 5:6-8) 4. The afterlife: Either fellowship with God and the redeemed or eternal punishment (Matthew 25:31-46) E. Two momentous lives compared 1. Buddha—a sage, teacher, and reformer. Sought enlightenment through knowledge and experience; shared this with others 2. Jesus—claimed to be God in human form (unrepeatable) a. Never sought enlightenment, but began ministry in power and confidence (Matthew 4) b. Offered to provide forgiveness for sin against a holy God (Mark 2:1-12; John 3:16-18) c. Claimed to be one with a personal God (John 8:58; John 10:22-31) IV. Conclusion: Between Jesus and Buddha— Gospel or Dharma? A. Buddhism and Christianity cannot both be true; they contradict each other on crucial matters of worldview and spirituality: A cannot be non-A (the law of noncontradiction) B. Objective truth and spiritual reality should be the overriding concern for spiritual seekers C. Final reflection on suffering and hope (crucial test for any worldview) 1. Buddha: transcend suffering through mental discipline and dehumanization (nirvana) 2. Jesus: embrace redemptive suffering because of the fallen nature of the world. Jesus' own suffering on the Cross provides the way of liberation for individuals. a. Jesus and the death of Lazarus (John 11) b. Jesus on the Cross: “My God, my God. Why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34) c. Resurrection of the body and the afterlife (1 Corinthians 15) D. Jesus offers meaning in suffering and purpose in life through his life, death, and resurrection Recommended Reading 1. Douglas Groothuis, On Jesus. Wadsworth, 2003. Looks at Jesus through the lens of philosophy.2. Douglas Groothuis, Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith, 2nd ed. InterVarsity Press, 2022 3. Bart Gruzalski, On Buddha. Wadsworth, 2000. Looks at Buddha through the lens of philosophy.4. Stuart Hackett, Oriental Religions: A Westerner's Guide to Eastern Thought. University of Wisconsin Press, 1979. A philosophical analysis, including Buddhism.5. David L. Johnson, A Reasoned Look at Asian Religions. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany Press, 1985. A philosophical analysis, including Buddhism. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Apart from His own resurrection, the miracle of raising Lazarus is the greatest sign to reveal that Jesus truly is the Lord of Life. In this podcast, Heidi shares insights that show the heart of Jesus and help to shape our perspective on the sorrows we experience in this life. We don't walk alone, Jesus enters in. Death does not have the final word! To join a Harvest women's small group, go to virtue.harvest.org/studies Learn more about Virtue women's ministry at Harvest Christian Fellowship by going to virtue.harvest.org/about/. Support the show: https://harvest.org/donate/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apart from His own resurrection, the miracle of raising Lazarus is the greatest sign to reveal that Jesus truly is the Lord of Life. In this podcast, Heidi shares insights that show the heart of Jesus and help to shape our perspective on the sorrows we experience in this life. We don't walk alone, Jesus enters in. Death does not have the final word! To join a Harvest women's small group, go to virtue.harvest.org/studies Learn more about Virtue women's ministry at Harvest Christian Fellowship by going to virtue.harvest.org/about/. Support the show: https://harvest.org/donate/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When the Mars rover Perseverance landed on that red planet on February 18, 2021, those monitoring its arrival endured “seven minutes of terror.” As the spacecraft ended its 292-million-mile journey, it went through a complex landing procedure it had to do on its own. Signals from Mars to Earth take several minutes, so NASA couldn’t hear from Perseverance during the landing. Not being in contact was frightening for the team who had put so much effort and resources into the mission. Sometimes we may experience our own times of fear when we feel we’re not hearing from God—we pray but we don’t get answers. In Scripture, we find people getting answers to prayer quickly (see Daniel 9:20–23) and those not getting answers for a long time (see Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1:10–20). Perhaps the most poignant example of a delayed answer—one that surely struck terror in the hearts of Mary and Martha—was when they asked Jesus to help their sick brother Lazarus (John 11:3). Jesus delayed, and their brother died (vv. 6–7, 14–15). Yet four days later, Christ answered by resurrecting Lazarus (vv. 43–44). Waiting for answers to our prayers can be difficult. But God can comfort and help as we “approach [His] throne of grace with confidence, . . . [that] we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).