Bible Study - Tough Questions (1) - We Need to Defend Our Faith? - December 1, 2019

Bible Study – Tough Questions (1) - We Need to Defend Our Faith? – December 1, 2019.

This is lesson one (1) in our series entitled “Answers to Tough Questions Defending What You Believe.”

Our focus scripture is Jude 1-4, 20-25.

GOD can use you to show others the truth.

Christianity is one generation away from extinction. That is one reason, we who know the truth of salvation through faith in JESUS CHRIST must continually pass on the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST. Christians are called to live out their faith every day among fellow Christians and those seeking to have the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS.

Who is Jude, the author of the book of Jude? He tells us in verse one. He is the servant or slave of JESUS CHRIST. He is the brother of James. Who was James? This James was the half-brother of JESUS.

Let’s read Matthew 13:53-57:

⁵³ When Jesus had finished these parables, he left there. ⁵⁴ He went to his hometown and began to teach them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? 55 Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary, and his brothers James, Joseph,^[n] Simon, and Judas? 56 And his sisters, aren’t they all with us? So, where does he get all these things?” ⁵⁷ And they were offended by him.

[Judas in Greek is Jude.]

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his household.” 58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.

We all stumble when we try to humanize JESUS. Yes, JESUS was 100% human but also 100% Divine. HE was GOD incarnate. HE chose to be limited by the flesh, otherwise HE could not have died physically. GOD revealed HIS power over physical death by resurrecting JESUS from the physically dead to live eternally as our Savior, Advocate and to be the LORD of all who place their faith in HIM. Keep in mind that JESUS lived a sinless life and as such was and is the perfect sacrifice for sin. By HIS death HE paid, in full, the penalty for all sin. Every person’s part is to acknowledge JESUS as his or her Savior from sin believing that HE gave HIS sinless life to pay for his or her sin. When a person believes that JESUS is his or her Savior and askes HIM to come into his or her life, a miracle takes place. A miracle takes place in that person’s life and he or she is Spiritually born into the Family of GOD. That person becomes a born-again Christian in his or her spirit to become a Spiritual Child of GOD, which will never change.

But consider with me. How did JESUS’ brothers look upon HIM?

Let’s read John 7:1-8:

7 After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee, since he did not want to travel in Judea because the Jews were trying to kill him. 2 The Jewish Festival of Shelters^[a] was near. ³ So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea so your disciples can see your works that you are doing. ⁴ For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” ⁵ (For not even his brothers believed in him.)

⁶ Jesus told them, “My time has not yet arrived, but your time is always at hand. ⁷ The world cannot hate you, but it does hate me because I testify about it—that its works are evil. ⁸ Go up to the festival yourselves. I’m not going up to this festival,^[b] because my time has not yet fully come.”

Did the death and resurrection of JESUS make a difference how JESUS’ brothers looked upon HIM? Let’s consider after the resurrection of JESUS and HIS walk upon earth for 40 days following HIS resurrection. JESUS told HIS disciples to wait in Jerusalem until, as recorded in Acts 1:4-5:

⁴ While he was^[a] with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; ⁵ for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”

Who were waiting for the Holt Spirit to come upon them let’s read as recorded in Acts 1:12-14:

¹² Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. ¹³ When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 They all were continually united in prayer,^[b] along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

The resurrection of JESUS made a difference in the lives of JESUS’ brothers. I think, also in the lives of HIS sisters.

Let’s explore!

Notice that Jude refers to himself as being the servant or slave of JESUS CHRIST and a brother of James, who is the half-brother of JESUS. Jude wanted his faith in JESUS to be based upon JESUS’ being the true Son of GOD and not his half-brother. Jude’s relationship with JESUS was through his acknowledgement of JESUS as the promised Messiah - period. Jude distanced himself from the blood relationship, because it was their Spiritual relationship that mattered. And that is the relationship that matters for every person upon earth. All people must see JESUS as the promised Messiah, Who willingly gave HIS physical life to pay for our individual sin. As such each person must accept JESUS as his or her personal Savior through faith. Now is your opportunity to make that decision. If you have not made that decision, please make it now. Accepting JESUS as your Savior is the most important decision you will ever make in your life. When you do, tell someone what you have done.

Let’s read Jude 1-4:
Greeting
¹ Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James:
To those who are the called, loved^[a] by God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ.

² May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

Jude’s Purpose in Writing

³ Dear friends, although I was eager to write you about the salvation we share, I found it necessary to write, appealing to you to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all. ⁴ For some people, who were designated for this judgment long ago,^[b] have come in by stealth; they are ungodly, turning the grace of our God into sensuality and denying Jesus Christ, our only Master and Lord.

Jude was compelled to write to fellow Christians because of a very troublesome issue had come to his attention. It was that some so-called Christians had corrupted the true Gospel of JESUS. He addressed his letter as “dear friends or beloved.”

Jude’s writing was directed to those who know the truth and have been “called” by GOD, “loved” by GOD and “kept” for JESUS CHRIST. Jude reinforced these three words with “mercy,” “peace,” and “love.” These are word terms underscoring the blood covenant Christians have with GOD through faith in JESUS. It will never be broken and will only increase as Christians obediently serve GOD. Christians are sanctified or set aside for the purposes of GOD. As Christians work in the fields of harvest others may be inspired to join in. Be a good example! All who know the truth of salvation, through faith in JESUS, have a responsibility to “contend” or “defend” the truth of faith in JESUS. As a true born-again believer in JESUS, you must not allow the truth of faith in JESUS to be corrupted. You who know the truth are the light of truth, do not let your light be dimmed by remaining silent or passive.

Jude pointed out that some people, acting like Christians, had secretly come into their midst who were purposely corrupting the truth of JESUS. They were wolves in sheep’s clothing and had to be exposed lest they corrupt and destroy the true body of believers.

GOD depends upon those who know the truth to defend the truth of the Gospel. In doing so, GOD has “kept them safe.” HE has multiplied “in abundance” “mercy,” “peace,” and “love” to them. Jude used the word “mercy” which carries the idea of showing compassion, kindness and good will toward those afflicted or hurting. Mercy is an expression of favor. It is closely related to “grace” or unmerited favor. It is something no one earns but is a gift of GOD.

The readers of Jude would need an abundance of “mercy,” “peace” – denotes security, prosperity, intense happiness and security.

Jude also used the word Love – agape which is needed when serving our LORD.

These false teachers or “ungodly” are destitute and void of reverential awe toward GOD. They are wicked people who condemn GOD. They have turned the grace of GOD into “lasciviousness.” In doing so, they deny JESUS CHRIST our only Sovereign LORD.” These “ungodly” people were not proclaiming an evil message but they were living an evil lifestyle. Their walk did not match their talk.

Let’s read Jude 20-23:

Exhortation and Benediction

²⁰ But you, dear friends, as you build yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, ²¹ keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting expectantly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life. ²² Have mercy on those who waver; ²³ save others by snatching them from the fire; have mercy on others but with fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

Jude listed four areas of a Christian’s Spiritual life that required attention, if they were going to defend the Gospel in the Spirit:

1.    Build yourselves up in your most holy faith:

They must build their faith in GOD by building their faith by trusting GOD. This must become a lifestyle through the study of GOD’S Word, prayer and putting into action as led by the Holy Spirit.

2.    Praying in the Holy Spirit:

Prayer is coming into the very presence of GOD and talking to HIM and listening. It is a two-way conversation. It is spending time with GOD. Do you recall last week’s study – Pray continuously about everything. We are all in the present, therefore pray because we do not know what is around the next turn in life’s adventure. Prayer puts us on the leading edge, ready to respond.

3.    Keep yourselves in the love of God:

GOD’S love for us never fades. Maintaining the right relationship with GOD keeps us engaged with GOD. HE never moves but we can move and think HE has left us when in reality, we left HIM. Being filled with GOD’S love keeps our minds upon JESUS and in doing so improves our response as we encounter others along life’s pathway. May we always respond with the love of GOD toward others.

4.    Have mercy on those who waver:

All Christians have received mercy from GOD and they, in turn, need to extend mercy or compassion to others. We need to show compassion to those who are not growing Spiritually, as we think they should. Often, those who are addicted fight their additions. Often, Christians think they are not growing Spiritually fast enough but we must be patient. Remember GOD is patient with us. I accepted the LORD JESUS when I was about 9 years old. I turned 82 yesterday. Guess what? I am still growing Spiritually and learning more each day. In fact, I have learned more in the past two years and put into practice trusting my LORD more as HE reveals truth through the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is awesome!

Verse ²³ save others by snatching them from the fire; have mercy on others but with fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

All Christians are on mission to rescue those destined for Hell. Christians know the truth and the truth is there will be Judgment Day and those not having a personal relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS will be judged. Satan’s lies are – you have plenty of time, no loving GOD would send you to Hell. Place your faith in JESUS and become a Son or Daughter of GOD through the miracle of rebirth in your Spirit. The instant you are born-again you have eternal life.

In showing mercy keep a close eye on yourself lest you fall into compromising your walk with JESUS.

“Hating even the garment defiled by the flesh” refers to another group of godless people who are so degenerate they smell like rotten flesh.

Showing mercy is not condoning or being eager to denounce but to be concerned by their lifestyle or actions that are contrary to GOD’S will and plan. Christians are to minister to doubters, unbelievers and ungodly but we are to keep a careful eye that we do not get sucked into their lifestyle.

Let’s read Jude 24-25:

²⁴ Now to him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of his glory, without blemish and with great joy, ²⁵ to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord,^[f] be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time,^[g] now and forever. Amen.

False teaching can lead a congregation down the wrong path. So, beware! Christians and church leaders must keep their eyes upon JESUS. When the angry waves of false doctrine billow around us, keep your eyes upon JESUS, study GOD’S Word, pray in the Holy Spirit and trust as GOD leads you.

GOD is The Only One Who can keep us from falling into the snare’s life offers. Christians are kept by GOD. We are not to become complacent but to keep seeking a deeper walk and relationship with GOD Who is perfecting us into the image of JESUS.

GOD will never forsake you or leave you as HIS Child.

JESUS tells us in John 5:24:

²⁴ “Truly I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.”

Fellow Christians, we are the salt and the light may we all respond to the needs of others as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Father protect us all as we travel life’s journey. We are in spiritual warfare, so stay suited up for battle.

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - (Special - Thanksgiving) - Living in Gratitude - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 - November 24, 2019

Bible Study (Special -Thanksgiving) – Living in Gratitude – November 24, 2019


This is a pause between series to focus on being thankful and living is gratitude for the blessings that flow from our LORD each day.


Our focus scripture is 1Thessalonians 5:12-22.


Give thanks ….. in everything.


How can we give thanks for everything that comes along in our lives? 

We just finished a study on “How to Know GOD’S Will.”

Our relationship with GOD determines how we live our lives. Earth is the training ground for eternity. Our chances of being born a human range from 1 in 400 trillion to 1 in 400 quadrillion. Yet, here we are, a human living life upon a planet we call earth. Each person is a miracle and a winner in life’s race. So, first of all, we need to thank GOD for our lives. Since life upon earth is temporary, it is the training ground for where we will spend eternity. 

When a person discovers truth that is found by placing his or her faith in JESUS, the promised Messiah, the born-again Christian has the desire share it with others. Why? It is because it is Good News and secures a person’s destiny in eternity with GOD/JESUS.


That is why born-again Christians are busy sharing the Gospel of CHRIST at home, their community and around the world.


The Apostle Paul had witnessed the Christians in Thessalonica working extremely hard to spread the Gospel of CHRIST to others and to help them grow Spiritually.


Christians still reach out to others to meet the Spiritual and physical needs of others. Let’s explore!


Let’s read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13:


¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you^[a] in the Lord and admonish you, ¹³ and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.


The Apostle Paul was asking fellow Christians, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to Christians who are working along with them and encourage them. Don’t take them for granted. The word “ask” carries a sense of urgency. Don’t lollygag but show those who are laboring or investing in your Spiritual growth and development.


Hold them in highest “esteem.” Notice that the Apostle does not describe these workers by their position title but by their function – labor, lead and admonish.


Labor – alludes to “wearisome effort, toil, to work to the point of exhaustion. We often refer to these workers “energizer bunnies.”


Lead – Those who lead you “in the LORD” means that the leaders’ authority commissions them to carry out the oversight of the flock according to GOD’S will but not the leaders will.


Admonish – The goal of admonish is to change behavior by providing instruction. It includes warning and rebuking or to attempt to put some sense into their heads.  


The Paul includes “peace” into the mix for consideration. Peace is an overarching ingredient that allows a body of believers to build both physical and Spiritual relationships.


Most Christians can look back over their lives and think of people who have challenged and encouraged them in their walk with the LORD JESUS.

GOD has gifted and called fellow Christians to lead.


Leaders are to lead with due diligence as the LORD leads and directs them. They are accountable. Leaders are to be responsible and accountable. They are to be good followers.


As Christians, we are to help create and sustain an atmosphere of peace and unity as we serve our LORD. But we are not to sweep matters under the rug that need to be dealt with.


Let’s read 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15:   


¹⁴ And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle,^[b] comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.


What does “exhort” mean? It means to “urge.” What are fellow Christians to do? They are to “warn” fellow Christians to change their behavior from being “unruly” or not to deviate from the prescribed order or rule. Other translations interpret “unruly” as “those who are lazy.”


Why were some Christians “lazy?” They were anticipating the imminent return of JESUS, so they stopped working. That was not setting a good example for others, Christians or non-Christians.  


Christians are to be good examples and should be the best employee or worker. Work is a calling just as being called into full-time Christian service.


Christians who are “discouraged” need a fellow brother or sister to come along their side to comfort him or her. Christians need to keep in mind that the Holy Spirit is our comforter and comes along our side when we experience troubling times in our lives. There are times when we need to be the tender hands and encouraging voice of GOD to others in need. 

Consoling those who are timid, disheartened or discouraged results in healthy for the fellowship.


Those who have built their relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS are on the solid foundation of truth and are equipped to help the weak Christians. Weak likely refers to those physically weak, morally weak or Spiritually weak. Some Christians need a strong Christian to come along and help them to navigate the rocky waters of life when temptation raises its head. A caution, even the strong need to keep a careful eye on themselves less they also become enticed and tempted to sin.


Let’ s read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22:


¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray constantly, ¹⁸ give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ¹⁹ Don’t stifle the Spirit. ²⁰ Don’t despise prophecies, ²¹ but test all things. Hold on to what is good. ²² Stay away from every kind of evil.


Parting words of Paul to fellow Christians in Thessalonica:


Rejoice Always – As born-again Christians our joy is not based upon circumstances but upon our relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS.


Pray Constantly – As Christians function upon earth, they are called to be obedient to GOD. Prayer is vital. GOD is omnipresent; thus, HE knows all that takes place upon earth. When we ask GOD in prayer, HE already knows all there is to know about a situation. Why pray constantly? It is because we live in the present. The past is gone and the future is yet to be, therefore pray constantly because one does not know what the next moment will bring but you will be in a state of prayer as it comes. 


Rejoicing and praying keeps our minds focused upon GOD and HIS ability to come to our aid. The aid may be in the form of comfort.


I am in Virginia as I write this. Our son picked us from Dulles Airport last night.  As we left the airport the van transmission would not shift. Our son said, “it has never done this before.” He did all he knew to do to get the transmission to work correctly. Traffic was horrendous or at least it was to me since not living in Northern Virginia for 18 years. Fortunately, son knew of a car dealership that was on our way home. Son was driving and praying. My wife and I were praying and it was our LORD who got us to the dealership five minutes before they closed. They happened to have an Enterprise car rental inside their service department. Once we arrived in about 15 minutes, we had a van just like their van, except name change, and we were on our way to their home. Plus, the transmission is under warranty and included a 5 day car rental. WOW! My head is still spinning. Our LORD is Awesome!


As we consider the next point, “give thanks for everything” our sweet daughter-in-love said she was glad that it didn’t happen to her while she was out and about. GOD’S timing is always perfect.   


Give Thanks in everything – why? – Because it is GOD’S Will for you in CHRIST JESUS – In life the issues Christians face are designed to build our relationship with GOD and to trust in HIM. I know when our eldest son fell down a flight of stairs and died, we lived several thousand miles from him. I prayed sometime after that event and said “LORD, if I could have been there to hold his head and be with him so that he would have not died alone. 

You know what the still small voice of GOD whispered? “I was right there with him.” Oh, the peace that filled my soul. No doubt in my mind that our precious LORD knows physical death and the impact it has on every person when a loved one goes into eternity. We never know when that instant might be. Out LORD admonishes every person to be ready when that instant comes.


DO NOT try to stifle the Holy Spirit – The Holy Spirit is the comforter of every Christian. The Holy Spirit connects those who are seeking salvation through faith in JESUS with GOD. When a person becomes a born-again Christian the Holy Spirit indwells the Christians as the guarantee, down payment/confirmation that he or she is GOD’S Child.  The union of the human spirit with the Holy Spirit results in a person being born-again Spiritually. A person’s first birth is physical but his or her second birth is Spiritual and nothing will ever change that fact. The born-again person will always be the Son or Daughter of GOD.


Don’t despise Prophecies – Prophesying comes about by divine inspiration that declare the purposes of GOD. Prophesying is a gift of the Holy Spirit and speaks truth that can address many subjects. Some utterings may address issues that need to be addressed by a body of believers and may be hard for the body to listen to. The key is when GOD gives a divine message, listen and take action accordingly.


Test all things or prove all things to verify their authenticity – Some times when the Holy Spirit is active among a body of believers, it inspires those who do not have the Spiritual gift of prophesy to make statements. Paul is telling them and us to discern if what we are hearing is truth or fantasy.


Hold on to what is good – That which has proved to be true, hold on to it. Internalize it and embrace it. GOD love you and desires to be your very best friend. Work to build that relationship. GOD is love and HE loves you so much that HE sent HIS Only SON, JESUS, to give HIS life to pay your sin debt in full.


Stay away from EVERY KIND OF EVIL. Do not dabble with anything that can compromise your relationship with GOD. As a Christian, if you feel uneasy or hear something spoken that causes you concern, keep in mind the Holy Spirit alerts you. DO NOT override that caution.

Christians are in spiritual warfare. It is real GOD is greater than any and all evil. Suit up in the full armor every day. Ephesians 6:10-20:

Christian Warfare

¹⁰ Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. ¹³ For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. ¹⁴ Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, ¹⁵ and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. ¹⁸ Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. ²⁰ For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.

The Apostle Paul asked for prayer and all Christians need our prayers. Therefore, pray for each other because the days are evil but we are secure in JESUS. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - GOD'S Will (6) - GOD'S Will and the Glory of GOD - John 11:1-4, 38-45 - November 17, 2019

Bible Study – GOD’S Will (6) – GOD’S Will and the Glory of GOD – November 17, 2019


This is our lesson sixth and final lesson in this series entitled “How to Know GOD’S Will.”


Our focus scripture is John 11:1-4, 38-45.


We bring glory to GOD when we obey HIS will.


Yes, Christians bring glory to GOD as they interact with life every day of their lives:


Accept – GOD works on HIS timetable and not on ours.

Seek – Spend time seeking GOD’S agenda for you.

Obey – Obey/put into action what you know GOD desires for you to do.

Trust – Trust the outcome to GOD and wait upon HIM.


When we trust and obey, we wait in great anticipation. It is exciting to see how GOD brings it all about. When it all comes together, we can see with our physical eyes and/or minds the magnificence of GOD, which is HIS GLORY! Let’s explore!


Let’s read John 11:1-4:

Lazarus Dies at Bethany

11 Now a man was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. ² Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair, and it was her brother Lazarus who was sick. ³ So the sisters sent a message to him: “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

Mary, Martha and Lazarus were close friends of JESUS. Lazarus was ill, so they sent for JESUS to come with hopes that JESUS would heal him.

⁴ When Jesus heard it, he said, “This sickness will not end in death but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

JESUS knew that HIS friend Lazarus would die physically so that GOD would be Glorified and it would establish JESUS as the promised Messiah for those who witnessed this miracle.

 ⁵ Now Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus.

Before we know the rest of the event, one might think, “Gee, is delaying the proper way to respond to the needs of a friend you love?” Let’s read verse 6 ---

 ⁶ So when he heard that he was sick, he stayed two more days in the place where he was.

Why did JESUS delay for “two more days?” Was it a teaching moment for JESUS’ disciples? Was it for the crowd that was gathering at the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus?

Waiting is often very difficult but when you know that GOD is in charge and rules your life, you wait with great anticipation in what GOD is going to do.

⁷ Then after that, he said to the disciples, “Let’s go to Judea again.”

JESUS had left the area because HIS time had not come. GOD’S timing for all things is perfect.

⁸ “Rabbi,” the disciples told him, “just now the Jews tried to stone you, and you’re going there again?”

⁹ “Aren’t there twelve hours in a day?” Jesus answered. “If anyone walks during the day, he doesn’t stumble, because he sees the light of this world. ¹⁰ But if anyone walks during the night, he does stumble, because the light is not in him.”

JESUS did not respond to the dictates of man but to the leadership and guidance of GOD, HIS Father. JESUS knew that HIS appointed time was very close and what GOD was going to demonstrate to those gathered because Lazarus died would Glorify GOD and establish JESUS as the promised Messiah. This was also a teaching time for HIS disciples as JESUS stated in our next verses ----

¹¹ He said this, and then he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I’m on my way to wake him up.”

¹² Then the disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will get well.”

¹³ Jesus, however, was speaking about his death, but they thought he was speaking about natural sleep. ¹⁴ So Jesus then told them plainly, “Lazarus has died. ¹⁵ I’m glad for you that I wasn’t there so that you may believe. But let’s go to him.”

¹⁶ Then Thomas (called “Twin”^[a]) said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s go too so that we may die with him.”

The Resurrection and the Life

¹⁷ When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. ¹⁸ Bethany was near Jerusalem (less than two miles^[b] away). ¹⁹ Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother.

Do you see GOD’S plan at work? Many Jews had come to comfort Mary and Martha. Little did they know that they were the ones who would witness GOD’S hand and mighty power at work and see that it came through JESUS.

We get to see another teaching moment for JESUS’ friends, Mary, Martha, JESUS’ disciples and many others.

²⁰ As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him, but Mary remained seated in the house. ²¹ Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. ²² Yet even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”

²³ “Your brother will rise again,” Jesus told her.

²⁴ Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

Martha knew the teachings of the scripture and JESUS. She sat at the feet of JESUS and listened to HIM teach. JESUS put a magnificent addition to what Martha already knew. JESUS was preparing her for what was about to take place -----

²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. ²⁶ Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

²⁷ “Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who comes into the world.”

YES! Martha made her profession of faith in JESUS as the promised Messiah.

Jesus Shares the Sorrow of Death

²⁸ Having said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”

JESUS is calling for you to accept HIM as your savior or to rededicate your life to HIM and to serve HIM. The choice is yours to make. When you do JESUS joins you in the most secret place in your life, your heart.

²⁹ As soon as Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. ³⁰ Jesus had not yet come into the village but was still in the place where Martha had met him. ³¹ The Jews who were with her in the house consoling her saw that Mary got up quickly and went out. They followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to cry there.

³² As soon as Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and told him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died!”

³³ When Jesus saw her crying, and the Jews who had come with her crying, he was deeply moved^[c] in his spirit and troubled. ³⁴ “Where have you put him?” he asked.

“Lord,” they told him, “come and see.”

³⁵ Jesus wept.

Why did JESUS weep? The next verse gives us a clue ----

³⁶ So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” ³⁷ But some of them said, “Couldn’t he who opened the blind man’s eyes also have kept this man from dying?”

Those who gathered had a knowledge of JESUS but the question was, what knowledge? They saw HIM as a miracle worker but not as the promised Messiah. Did Jesus being friends with Mary, Martha and Lazarus mean to those gathered that JESUS should have rushed to them to meet their expectations? Do we think when we face issues in our lives that JESUS should come instantly to meet our needs? YES! And when HE doesn’t, we often complain. Should we pause and ask JESUS, what are YOU trying to teach us? 

Let’s read John 11:38-44:

The Seventh Sign: Raising Lazarus from the Dead.

What are the first six signs revealing JESUS as the promised Messiah.

The Book of John reveals seven signs or miracles that point to JESUS as the promised Messiah:

John 2:1-11 – JESUS turned water into wine. (1^{st sign})

John 4:46=54 – JESUS healed royal official’s son. (2^{nd sign})

John 5:1-15 – JESUS healed a man who had been disabled for 38 years. (3^{rd sign})

John 6:5-14 – JESUS fed a crowd of five thousand. (4^{th sign})

John 6:16-21 – JESUS walked on water. (5^{th sign})

John 9:1-7 – JESUS healed the man who had been born blind. (6^{th sign})

John 11:1-45 – JESUS raised Lazarus from the dead. (7^{th sign})

These are seven signs leading up to the greatest sign of all; GOD raised JESUS from the physically dead to show the world that JESUS is the Promised Messiah. Have you placed your faith in JESUS? If not why not? By doing so, JESUS forgives you for all your sins, past, present and future, gives you eternal life, you instantly receive the miracle of Spiritual rebirth into the family of GOD and you become a citizen of Heaven. What do you have to do? Ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your heart believing that HE gave HIS sinless life for you to pay, in full, for your sins. When you take this step of faith, thank JESUS for your salvation and the confirmation of your salvation by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in your life never to leave you.

Let’s read John 11:38-44:

³⁸ Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. ³⁹ “Remove the stone,” Jesus said.

Martha, the dead man’s sister, told him, “Lord, there is already a stench because he has been dead four days.”

In that day, it was common belief that when a person died their spirit hung around or hovered for 3 days but by the fourth day the person was sure to be dead. Thus, JESUS delayed to reveal GOD’S Glory and confirm that HE was the promised Messiah by waiting.

⁴⁰ Jesus said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”

⁴¹ So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you heard me. ⁴² I know that you always hear me, but because of the crowd standing here I said this, so that they may believe you sent me.” ⁴³ After he said this, he shouted with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” ⁴⁴ The dead man came out bound hand and foot with linen strips and with his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unwrap him and let him go.”

Often, when the Holy Spirit commands us to act, we may think it is too late or it will smell bad. But when GOD commands, take a step of faith and leave the results to HIM.

Are there some stones in your life that need to be rolled away but you are afraid of the stench? If GOD leads you to roll away that stone or stones, do it. The unrolled stones are barriers to experiencing the power of GOD and JESUS and prevents us from seeing the Glory of GOD at work.

Many were ecstatic and placed their faith in JESUS as the promised Messiah but some were not. The religious leaders were not happy because they knew that this miracle would confirm to the Jewish people that JESUS is the Messiah. The religious leader’s religious authority would be challenged. They had a problem and they had to deal with it, quickly!

Let’s read John 11:45-57:

The Plot to Kill Jesus

⁴⁵ Therefore, many of the Jews who came to Mary and saw what he (JESUS) did believed in him. ⁴⁶ But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

⁴⁷ So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and were saying, “What are we going to do since this man is doing many signs? ⁴⁸ If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”

⁴⁹ One of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! ⁵⁰ You’re not considering that it is to your^[d] advantage that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish.” ⁵¹ He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, ⁵² and not for the nation only, but also to unite the scattered children of God. ⁵³ So from that day on they plotted to kill him.

⁵⁴ Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews but departed from there to the countryside near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and he stayed there with the disciples.

⁵⁵ Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many went up to Jerusalem from the country to purify themselves before the Passover. ⁵⁶ They were looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple: “What do you think? He won’t come to the festival, will he?” ⁵⁷ The chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should report it so that they could arrest him.

Do you recall 1 Corinthians 2:8 - ⁸ None of the rulers of this age knew this wisdom, because if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Little did the religious leaders know that crucifying JESUS was according to GOD’S plan. They thought they were solving their problem but they were carrying our GOD’S plan and purpose.

Scripture reveals to us in Isaiah 55:8 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.”

GOD’S timing is always perfect and HE works in HIS own way and in HIS own time so that HE gets all the Glory and accomplishes HIS will, plan and purpose.

Trust and obey for there are no other ways to be happy in JESUS.

Allow the indwelling Holy Spirit to lead and direct your life according to GOD’S will, plan and purpose for you and your life.

GOD will never ask us to go against HIS character or HIS Word. GOD’S desire is to develop our faith as HE leads us to experiencing HIS power and Glory. As we walk with HIM, HE is building our faith and trust in HIM. Look back at verse 42. JESUS knew that HIS Father always heard HIM. GOD desires for all of HIS children to have such faith in HIM, that when we ask, we trust HIS response because of our faith in HIM.

Blessings!!!