Resurrection Motivation
Read John 11:17-27
Introduction: ‘If you would have been here!’
Even before Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead, Jesus had already demonstrated his power and spoken about His forthcoming bodily resurrection when he raised Lazurus from the dead in John 11.
One of the greatest dialogues between Jesus and his believers came to Lazurus’ sisters Mary and Martha.
Application: Often I’m sure we’ve thought or even spoken what Martha said….
In that moment of crisis, desperation, disappointment, grief and loss…. ‘If only you would have been here!’
• Things would be different
• Life could have continued
• A miracle could have happened
• Things would be different.
Jesus’ Resurrection:
I. Helps our Hope –
‘Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went out to meet him.’ – v. 20
II. Dares us to Dream – ‘If only you had been here.’ – v. 21
In Martha’s mind she had a ‘dream’ of sorts.
Application: Jesus’ work, power and resurrection let us dream.
• Dream Anew
• Dream Afresh
Application: I do not want to stop dreaming…how about you?! Do one ever get too old to dream? I hope not!
III. Fuels our Faith – v. 22
‘But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give you.’ – v. 22
Matthew 17 – ‘If you have the faith the size of a mustard seed’…
Matthew 6 – ‘Oh you of little faith’.
Mark 9 – ‘Help my unbelief’
IV. Begs for Belief – v.26
‘Do you believe this?’ – v. 26
Jesus’ resurrections begs/shouts out…
• He can do it!
• It is possible!
• He is the same yesterday, today and forever!
Application: Can we believe that we’re not done yet?
• That He’s not done yet?
• There is a tomorrow?
• We can keep dreaming?
Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I know the plans that I have for you…
Conclusion: The power of the Resurrection is extended beyond the theological significance.
Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned– (Rom 5:12 NKJ)
Romans 5:15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. (Rom 5:15 NKJ)
1 Corinthians 15:55 “O Death, where is your sting1? O Hades, where is your victory2?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Co 15:55 NKJ)
Not only does Jesus’ death and resurrection secure us an eternal destiny but it also provides us power to live today… to…
1. Help us Hope
2. Dare us to Dream
3. Fuel our Faith
4. Beg for Belief
Belonging
Romans 12:4-6 Introduction: Today, at the end of the service, we will be welcoming new Members to the fellowship here at CLC. Leading up to that I want to share with you some thoughts about The Beauty of Belonging and how it is Experienced in Community. A biblical understanding of community goes beyond just being…
Back to Gilgal: Where God Offers New Beginnings
Back to Gilgal: Where God Offers New Beginnings Text: Joshua 4–5; 1 Samuel 13 Introduction – Have you ever noticed how God often brings us back to the same place—not physically, but spiritually—again and again? In Scripture, there’s a place called Gilgal. What is Gilgal? Gilgal was the first place Israel camped after crossing the…
More Than Sometimes
Text: Luke 16:10; Matthew 25:21; Lamentations 3:22–23 Introduction: Church, today I want to preach a simple word, but it is a weighty word. I want to preach about faithfulness. Not talent.Not charisma.Not giftedness.Not emotion.Not hype.Not moments.But faithfulness. Application: And one of the dangers in the church is that we can begin to call ourselves faithful…
Resurrection Life
John 11:17-27 A Central Truth – John 10:10 Jesus not only gives resurrection and life. He is the resurrection and the life. Introduction: The theology of the resurrection is well understood and embraced by not only the believing community but also those outside of genuine faith. Transition: Let me first address Martha and Mary, who…
Wealth & Justice
James 5:1-6 Introduction: James 5:1–6 is a strong prophetic warning about wealth, injustice, and God’s coming judgment. James speaks particularly to wealthy people who gained riches by oppressing others and living selfishly. Below is a clear breakdown of the passage. “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.”…
Here Comes the Judge
James 4:11–17 Introduction: I am old enough to remember a funk song popularized in1968 by comedian Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham through his comedy sketches and a funk song of the same name, often cited as an early influence on hip hop. Key details: ———————————————————-Predominant Theme of Section: Pride Puts Us in God’s Place James 4:11–17 — Humility Before…
Setting The Example
1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (NKJV) Introduction: Leadership Usually comes Without someone knowing that they are leading. Paul writes this letter to Timothy, a young pastor leading the church at Ephesus. Timothy…