We are studying the foundations of our faith.  If we understand the  foundations, then we will be able to build upon these are grow in our Christian life resulting in

  1. Maturity
  2. Being able to decide what is right and wrong.
  1. Foundation of the resurrection.

Hebrews 6: 1, 2 So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds[a] and placing our faith in God.  You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead…

  1. If resurrection is true…
    1. Message of the disciples was not Jesus died and then went to heaven, but Jesus died and rose from the dead.
  2. Then the other promises of the Bible are true.
  3. Everything rises and falls on this fact.
    1. not going to prove the resurrection his morning.
    2. 1 Corinthians 15: 6 500 witnesses
    3. Why trust them, Ravi Zacharias Why should I believe you?

2. The Power of the Resurrection.

Philippians 3: 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead…

Paul was well aware of the fact of the resurrection, but he knew there was something more to it than that.

What is this power that raised Christ from he dead that we are to practice to become mature?

3. The Resuscitation of Lazarus

The things Jesus did here on earth had a meaning behind them.  did not just walk around randomly doing things.

Story of a Resuscitation of Lazarus. (Resuscitation because he died again.  Jesus is the only one who resurrected to never die again.)

Lazarus your friend is sick Vs 3

New international version states the one you love

Romans just because we go through problems does that mean that God does not love us? No overwhelming victory is ours through Jesus Christ. Romans 8: 37

Sickness will not end in death  Vs 4  It did end in death.  But in Jesus Christ, death is not the end.  There is never a situation that is beyond hope.

This is why Paul stated, I want to know this.

4. Today I Am…

EXAMPLE: pingpong balls in a vase

  1. Stuff in our lives
  2. Problems,
  3. Bills.
  4. Sin
  5. Anything that makes us ask Where are you God. Why weren’t you here.
  6. Just a little water will not cut it in these situations.

I am the resurrection and the Life. Do you believe this? Vs 25, 26 easy to answer in a church service, but what about when your dream dies?

5. Jesus Groaned.

Jesus groaned. Vs 33

Enjoined = to stop.

Jesus was literally speaking to death that you have to stop.

Romans 8: 26 Spirit groans for an injunction against everything that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.

This is the power of the resurrection that Paul was talking about getting a hold of.

EXAMPLE: pouring water 1/2 full  Don’t know groaning of Spirit in our lives to be set free. People only see the ping pong balls.

Romans 8: 22 All of creation is groaning to be set free.

Job 14: 7,- 9 cut down tree stump decaying and roots have grown old in the earth.

BUT at the scent of water it will bud again.

Some cut down by others and feel dead inside.  If Jesus had only been here, this would not have happened.

There is a scent of water.

EXAMPLE: fill up cup until we are set free.

Paul stated I want to know this power of the resurrection.  i want freedom from these things in my life.

Romans 7: 24, 25 The things I want to do I no longer do, BUT, thanks be to God who set me free from this life dominated by sin and death.

Martha, Mary and Lazarus went through an incredible test, but that test became a testimony.

Do you know it today?