The Lazarus Effect

We talk a lot about the church giving easy answers

we need be able to articulate the gospel in our culture

so today we are going to practice

don’t hold back - cause I’m not

Does God always answer prayer?

Does everyone that has an sickness need healing?

Do I need healing?

John 11:14–15 NLT

So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.”

John 11:14–27 NLT

So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.” Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s go, too—and die with Jesus.” When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days. Bethany was only a few miles down the road from Jerusalem, and many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss. When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.”

John 11:14-15

John 11:14

How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus says Lazarus is dead and I’m glad for your sakes?

Jo

Could you make a case for being angry at Jesus?

How do you think Mary and Martha feel?

Did Lazarus need to die?

How can Lazarus not need to die and I not need healing (E)

Claim: Lazarus had to die and unfortunately Milton does not need healing

How can you make this claim?

John 11:35 NLT

Then Jesus wept.

If there is nothing wrong with people with disabilities, how should we treat them?

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.” -Marianne Williamson

We are afraid to be Lazarus

we don’t want to go through nothing

Acts 5:39–41 NLT

But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go. The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.

Acts 5:39-41

Acts 5:40–41 NLT

The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go. The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.

Acts 5:41 NLT

The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.

It’s an honor to be Lazarus but there’s a balance