Empowered by Resurrection: Living Out Our Faith

 

Summary

In the heart of our ministry lies the conviction that God is actively at work in our lives, orchestrating divine encounters and empowering us to expand His kingdom. Over the past 35 years, we have witnessed the miraculous hand of God as we embarked on a vision to plant 500 churches in India—a vision that seemed insurmountable, but with the Holy Spirit's guidance, we have seen it come to fruition. We currently oversee 398 churches and are on track to establish five more by the end of the year.

Our journey has been marked by a commitment to unity and prayer. Thirty years ago, God placed a burden on my heart to unite pastors and leaders to pray for our nation and the world. From humble beginnings with just five pastors, our fellowship has grown to over 7,000, gathering every first Saturday to intercede for various needs. We believe that when leaders unite in prayer, we can shake the world for Jesus Christ.

The ministry of Jesus was characterized by compassion and action. Following His example, we have engaged in social work, caring for the needy and the poor. Our efforts have resulted in the establishment of homes for over a thousand street children, Christian schools, and a dedicated staff of over 250 full-time workers. We are also on the verge of completing a new home for handicapped children, named Luke House, which will provide shelter and care for 58 children.

The essence of our message is encapsulated in the "I AM" statements of Jesus, particularly "I am the resurrection and the life." This truth is not just historical; it is a present reality that offers us a secure future in Christ. Our past cannot be changed, but our future is secure when we trust in Jesus. It is not enough to attend church; we must have a personal relationship with Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

The story of Lazarus serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' authority over life and death. When Jesus declared, "Lazarus, come forth," He demonstrated that His words carry creative, life-giving power. This same power is available to us today, enabling us to overcome any obstacle through the resurrection power that lives within us.

As a church, we are called to set people free from the grave clothes of tradition and the world's entanglements. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I witnessed firsthand the resurrection power of Jesus as I prayed for a pastor who was on the brink of death. God miraculously healed him, and he continues to preach the Gospel with renewed vigor.

In conclusion, the resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, assuring us that sin's problem has been solved and that we are overcomers through Him. As we stand firm in this truth, we can face any challenge with the confidence that Jesus is with us always.

Key Takeaways:

- The power of unified prayer among church leaders cannot be underestimated. When we come together in prayer, we align ourselves with God's will and become conduits for His transformative power in the world. This unity is a testament to the strength and diversity of the body of Christ, capable of making significant impacts on a global scale. [49:33]

- Social outreach is an integral expression of the Gospel. As we care for the least of these, we embody the compassion of Christ. Our actions must go beyond words, extending the love of Jesus in tangible ways that meet the physical and spiritual needs of those around us. This is the church in action, reflecting the heart of God to a world in need. [53:12]

- Understanding Jesus as "I am the resurrection and the life" is crucial for our identity as believers. This declaration is not merely a historical fact but a present reality that empowers us to live victoriously. Our faith is rooted in the person of Jesus, who holds the keys to life and death, and in whom we find our hope and future. [01:00:22]

- The story of Lazarus is a vivid illustration of Jesus' authority over death and a reminder that His words are imbued with life-changing power. When we encounter seemingly impossible situations, we can trust in the words of Jesus to bring forth life and hope. This is the essence of our faith—believing in the One who calls forth life from death. [01:14:33]

- The resurrection power of Jesus is not confined to the pages of Scripture; it is active and available today. As we walk in obedience to God's leading, we can expect to see His power manifest in miraculous ways. Our role is to step out in faith, trusting that God will honor His word and perform wonders among us. [01:38:03]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 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?'"
2. John 11:43-44 (NIV) - "When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' 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.'"
3. John 1:1-3 (NIV) - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made."

#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus declare about Himself in John 11:25-26, and how does this declaration relate to the story of Lazarus? ([01:00:22])
2. How did Jesus demonstrate His authority over life and death in the story of Lazarus? ([01:13:02])
3. What was the reaction of the people when Lazarus came out of the tomb, and what did Jesus instruct them to do? ([01:19:06])
4. According to John 1:1-3, what is the relationship between Jesus and the Word, and how does this establish His authority? ([01:03:04])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus referred to Himself as "the resurrection and the life"? How does this shape our understanding of His power and authority? ([01:00:22])
2. In what ways does the story of Lazarus illustrate the concept of resurrection power being available to believers today? ([01:13:02])
3. How does the unity and prayer among church leaders, as described in the sermon, reflect the power of collective faith and action? ([49:33])
4. What does the establishment of homes for street children and other social outreach efforts reveal about the practical application of the Gospel? ([53:12])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a seemingly impossible situation. How can the story of Lazarus encourage you to trust in Jesus' resurrection power in your own life? ([01:13:02])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of unified prayer among church leaders. How can you contribute to fostering unity and collective prayer in your own church community? ([49:33])
3. Jesus' ministry was marked by compassion and action. What specific steps can you take to extend the love of Jesus in tangible ways to those in need around you? ([53:12])
4. The sermon highlighted the need for a personal relationship with Jesus. How can you deepen your relationship with Him beyond just attending church services? ([01:00:22])
5. Consider the "grave clothes" of tradition and worldly entanglements that might be holding you back. What steps can you take to be set free and live fully in the resurrection power of Jesus? ([01:20:04])
6. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the pastor witnessed a miraculous healing. How can you step out in faith and pray for miracles in your own life and the lives of others? ([01:24:02])
7. The sermon concluded with the assurance that we are overcomers through Jesus. What challenges are you currently facing, and how can you stand firm in the truth that Jesus is with you always? ([01:38:03])

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Prayer Strengthens the Church
The collective prayer of church leaders is a powerful force that aligns the church with God's will. When leaders from diverse backgrounds and denominations come together, they form a spiritual tapestry that can impact the world in profound ways. This unity in prayer is not just about agreement; it's about the body of Christ coming together to intercede for the nations, to seek God's guidance, and to invoke His power in the world. It is a demonstration of the church's collective faith and a commitment to God's overarching mission. The transformative power that flows from such unity can lead to significant changes, both within the church and across the globe. [49:33]

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!" (Psalm 133:1-2 ESV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of your local church body through prayer this week?

Day 2: Compassion in Action Reflects Christ
True faith in Christ is evidenced by actions that reflect His compassion and love, especially towards those in need. The church is called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, extending His grace and provision to the poor, the needy, and the marginalized. This goes beyond mere words and requires tangible efforts that address both physical and spiritual needs. By establishing homes for street children, schools, and care facilities, the church becomes a beacon of hope and a testament to God's love in action. This is not just charity; it is the embodiment of the Gospel message lived out in practical ways. [53:12]

"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?" (James 2:15-16 ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can show Christ's compassion to someone in need this week?

Day 3: The Present Reality of Resurrection Life
The declaration of Jesus as "I am the resurrection and the life" is not confined to the past; it is a dynamic truth that shapes the believer's present and future. This understanding is foundational to a believer's identity, providing a lens through which to view life's challenges and victories. It assures believers that they have a secure future in Christ, regardless of their past. Embracing this truth means living in the victory and hope that comes from Jesus, who conquered death and promises eternal life to those who trust in Him. [01:00:22]

"For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his." (Romans 6:5 ESV)

Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection influence your daily decisions and outlook on life?

Day 4: Jesus' Authority Brings Life to the Dead
The story of Lazarus is a powerful demonstration of Jesus' sovereignty over life and death. His command, "Lazarus, come forth," shows that His words are not mere speech but carry the power to effect change and bring life. This same authority is available to believers today, enabling them to face seemingly insurmountable challenges with confidence. By trusting in Jesus' life-giving words, believers can experience transformation and hope in situations that appear hopeless. [01:14:33]

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.'" (Revelation 21:3 ESV)

Reflection: What 'dead' area in your life needs the life-giving power of Jesus' words today?

Day 5: Experiencing the Resurrection Power Today
The resurrection power of Jesus is not a historical footnote; it is an active, accessible force in the lives of believers today. This power is not limited to the supernatural healing of the sick but is also evident in the daily victories over sin and despair. Believers are called to step out in faith, trusting that God will honor His promises and display His might in their lives. As they do so, they become witnesses to the miraculous, living testimonies of God's ongoing work in the world. [01:38:03]

"That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." (Philippians 3:10 ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively seek to experience the resurrection power in your life this week?

Quotes

1) "God gave me a vision for plant 500 churches, it was a big vision but I went believing God, it's not with my strength, with my wisdom and knowledge, with my power, I can do, but we can do it through the help of the Holy Spirit of the living God." [47:42] (Download)

2) "God put really in my heart to bring leaders together, that's what we started to do 30 years back and five of us we come together and begin to pray and have fellowship all day, eat together, pray and share and the fellowship is beginning to grow." [49:30] (Download)

3) "Jesus always moved with compassion, helping the poor and needy people and so that's what we start to do and we started in 1989 in a very small way helping taking care of the street kids, today we have more than thousand kids in our five different homes." [53:12] (Download)

4) "I am the resurrection and the life he who believes in me though he may die he shall live and who shall ever live and believe in me shall never die." [01:00:22] (Download)

5) "There's a power behind the words of Jesus and the power it is a creative power miracle working power Jesus is good." [01:18:32] (Download)

6) "Resurrection is evidence then sin was destroyed that is evidence. Through his resurrection, it has been paid we don't have to be worried about our death." [01:36:13] (Download)

7) "You are an overcomer every obstacle you may go through resurrection power inside of you because he lives in you and he moves in you." [01:38:03] (Download)

8) "The resurrection power of the Lord Jesus Christ, the same power who raised Lazarus out there, it was right there in that hospital room." [01:30:50] (Download)

9) "I went straight to the ICU room there I saw this man of God was sitting in the bed waiting for me, hallelujah glory to God praise be to God this is what happened the resurrection power Jesus is a healer." [01:32:33] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?