Grace Messages

This morning, we are going to look at another successful King of Israel, Uzziah. He was successful, partially, because of the same reason Solomon was initially successful. Uzziah pursued relational intimacy with the Lord! However, as we will see, the initial steps of success often are the first steps towards failure! In the life of Uzziah, we will see that success caused him to think too highly of himself, and it cost him.

Waiting is one of the most common tests Christians face in life. Waiting has many variations - large and small. But the bottom line is that waiting is hard. It exposes us to uncertainty, vulnerability, impatience, and much more. Biblical waiting means "...these tension filled gaps present an opportunity for faith" and its corollary - hope.

Some look at climate change and wonder if we are about to destroy the world. Some watch world events - October 7th, assassination attempt, wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, and wonder if we are on the brink of WWIII. Christians see these things, and many other biblical indications of the Lord's return and ask, "Is it soon?". Everyone wonders what to do, how to respond, how to be ready. I Thessalonians gives believers some solid answers these questions.

This morning, we are going to look at one of the most successful men who ever lived, King Solomon. Solomon is a picture of a man who grew in the wrong direction! He started well but continued poorly. Ultimately, at the end of his life, he was the epitome of an epic failure.

Sometimes when people “crash and burn” in life, it is shocking. You will often hear someone say, “I never saw that coming!” That may be true, but oftentimes, there are subtle indicators and little things along the way, that would have clued us in to the potential issues brewing. We are going to look at a story this morning where there were plenty of warning signs along the road to success. These warning signs were ignored and not utilized to course correct. We will see the way our group responds to these warning signs indicated they were not ready for success, and this was revealed in an EPIC failure!

This morning, we will consider three primary principles for why perceived success can be dangerous or detrimental to one’s Christian life. Paul is clear in 1 Corinthians 10:12 that this is a very real and present danger to be constantly aware of.

Last week, we reached the climax of Lazarus’ story – Jesus resuscitated him because He IS the resurrection and the life. This morning, we will see something that is still true today. Jesus’ life, ministry, and work on the cross demands a response! These things demand a decision! Will you “believe” in Him OR will you “reject” Him? There is no middle or neutral ground. Any decision or non-decision a person makes regarding this topic has consequences, either positive or negative.

This morning, we reach the pinnacle or climax of Lazarus’ story – his resuscitation. Remember, the main technical differences between a resuscitation and a resurrection is the BODY that a person is brought back to life in. Lazarus will be brought back in a human, physical body to one day die again. In the future resurrection, at the Rapture of the Church, we will be raised in glorified bodies, completely delivered from sin’s presence and in bodies that will never die again. This miracle was the icing on the cake for the purpose of John’s book (John 20:30-31)!

As we continue with the story of Lazarus this morning, we pick up in the middle of Jesus’ conversation with Martha. Remember, Martha has gone out to meet Him on His way into town to get some answers. Jesus is going to give her some answers, including His FIFTH ”I AM” claim recorded in the Book of John. It is quite a claim! Jesus will tell her “I AM the resurrection and the life!” Truly remarkable! Almost beyond words!

Today, we begin a new chapter in John 11, and begin a familiar story with the story of Lazarus. In the beginning of this story, we get to see a unique opportunity for God to get glory through this man's death!