And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. (John 11:43-45) ~~~~~ Afternoon Harvest Thanksgiving Service ~~~~~ **Sermon Summary:** This Thanksgiving sermon centers on the resurrection of Lazarus in John 11, using the narrative to illustrate the dual aspects of spiritual salvation: the initial call to life and the subsequent liberation from bondage. The preacher emphasizes that while Jesus' voice brings the spiritually dead to life, believers must also be loosed from the grave clothes of sin and the chains of unbelief to experience true freedom in Christ. Drawing on the example of Apostle Paul in Philippians 3, the message urges the congregation to count all things as loss for the excellence of knowing Christ, highlighting that this union with the Saviour provides the strength to resist the devil through Scripture. The tone is pastoral and exhortative, encouraging listeners to examine their own faith, ensure they are not merely alive but free, and live for the glory of God by obeying His commands. ~~~~ PDF Hymn sheet downloadable below. ~~~~