Hope in Christ
Brother Shahriar shares a message based on John 11:38 and raising Lazarus:
- Hope in Christ is beyond despair.
- Hope in Christ is based on His presence, He is always with us.
- Hope in Christ breaks the boundaries of death.
- Hope in Christ sets us free and gives us eternal peace.
This sermon distills the story of Lazarus into a message of resilience for those facing “dead-end” situations. It frames hope as a disciplined trust in Christ’s authority over death and injustice, urging the faithful to maintain spiritual joy and intercessory vigor despite the darkness of current events.
Message:
Worship and intercession for Iran:
The sermon centers on John 11:38-44, the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Brother Shahriar explores the theme of “Hope Even in the Grave,” emphasizing that divine timing and logic often contradict human expectations.
Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead
38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said.
“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”
40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
Key Theological Points:
- The Delay of God: Martha’s grief (“If you had been here, my brother would not have died”) represents the human struggle with God’s timing. The preacher notes that God’s delay is not a lack of love but a setup for a greater manifestation of His glory.
- The Nature of Faith: Faith is defined as “trust in God’s power” rather than a mere feeling. It is the prerequisite for seeing God’s glory (John 11:40).
- Authority Over Death: Jesus’ command, “Lazarus, come out,” demonstrates that His word has life-giving power that transcends physical and spiritual boundaries.
- The Resurrection and the Life: Referencing John 11:25, the preacher establishes that Jesus does not just give life; He is the Resurrection and the Life.
Congregation response
Brother Shahriar addresses the current atmosphere of despair, specifically mentioning the bravery and suffering of the people in Iran facing injustice. The congregation is challenged to move from passive grief to active, hopeful intercession.
Action Points:
- Reject Despair: Recognize that hopelessness is a “weapon of the enemy” designed to paralyze the believer and strip their words of authority.
- Remove the “Stone”: Identify the mental and spiritual barriers (logic, fear, doubt) that prevent one from seeing God’s potential in “dead” situations.
- Intercessory Standing: Believers are called to stand firmly for others, specifically for the people of Iran, carrying their heavy burdens through focused, authoritative prayer.
- Live in Freedom: Just as Lazarus was commanded to be “unbound” from his grave clothes, the congregation is urged to live in the freedom and peace that Jesus provides, which differs from the temporary peace of the world.