Easter
Message Summary: In the book of John, Jesus made seven “I AM” statements to make his identity clear to everyone. In John 11 (story of the death and resurrection of Lazarus), Jesus tells Martha he is the “resurrection and the life”. Martha was honest with Jesus about her feelings about her brother Lazarus dying, telling him if only had been there, she wouldn’t be facing this situation. At times, we can face the same feelings when we don’t feel like God is present or when we continue to ask where he is, being met with silence. God is not offended by our worries, doubts, questions, and anger. Remember that even when you are met with silence or experiencing God’s timing that may be different than your own, God is empathetic and never leaves you hanging. Even in the silence, God is on your side.
Josiah shared that he believes Easter is a celebration of a God who wants to do the impossible in your life. God wants to you to have an abundant life, living to the fullest RIGHT NOW, not just for eternity.
- Have you confessed your belief in God? How is he calling you to deepen this belief in a hard circumstance?
- What area of your life are you needing to feel God’s presence? What is an area of your life you need to surrender to him?
- Where do you need God to be the resurrection in a dead situation in your life?
- How can you encourage others in your group with a testimony of how you have seen God at work in something that appeared hopeless?
Jeremiah 9:23 NIV – This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, “
John 11:25-26 NIV – Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”