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Sunday Message for the Bilingual Brethren - 4 April 2021 : "I am the Resurrection and the Life"

Text: John 11
4 April 2021

THE PROBLEM OF LACKING IN FAITH IN THE FACE OF DEATH

1. The struggle with the death of a loved one – Lazarus.

a. Mary and Martha had genuine faith in the Lord Jesus.
b. However, they struggled with their feelings at the loss of their brother.
d. They were deeply affected and devastated.
e. Death seemed so final.

2. They felt that Jesus could have saved Lazarus

a. They both expressed the same feeling
b. They both expressed that if Jesus was there earlier, He could have
saved him.
i. John 11:21
ii. John 11:32
c. This was defective thinking

FOCUSING OUR FAITH ON JESUS AS THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE

“I am the resurrection and the life…”   John 11:25

1. The Lord is the resurrection

a. The Lord Jesus has the power to resurrect the physical dead
i. He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead
ii. This sign shows us that Jesus has tremendous power
b. The Lord Jesus has the power to resurrect those who die in Christ
i. The Lord would resurrect them to eternal life
ii. They will never die in the afterlife

2. The life that the Lord Jesus gives

a. The Lord Jesus can give physical life to one who is dead
b. Of greater concern, He can give eternal life in heaven
c. All of us can resurrect into eternal life in heaven.
d. We have to see beyond this earthly life to eternal life in heaven

THE CHALLENGE TO DEVELOP FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS

1. Having hope beyond this world

“And I am glad for you for your sakes that I was not there that you may believe.”   John 11:15
a. The disciples of Jesus had faith in Him
b. The Lord Jesus was helping them to go beyond this world

2. Cultivation of faith and hope in the Lord Jesus

“He who believes in Me though he may die he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”   John 11:25-26
a. Those who believe in the Lord Jesus.
i. They may die physically.
ii. But they will live spiritually.
b. Those who have faith in the Lord Jesus and have eternal life.
i. They will not die spiritually.
ii. They will live forever in heaven.

3. Continuing faith in the Lord’s word

“Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God.”   John 11:40
a. Seeing the glory of God
i. When people believe, people can see the great glory of the Lord.
ii. The disciples of the Lord would see the glory of the Lord Jesus.
b. They saw Lazarus resurrect from the dead
i. He walked out of the tomb.
ii. The Lord did fulfil His own words

DEFINITE RESPONSES

1. Believe in the Lord Jesus as the resurrection and the life

2. Have faith and hope to see beyond this world to eternal life in heaven

3. Cultivate our faith till it is strong enough in the face of death.