"Silence" Message #1 (John 17)

Sermon Date: 
Nov 03 2019
Sermon Audio: 

SERMON NOTES FOR FURTHER REFLECTION / STUDY

KEY VERSES – John 11
“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (32b)
“Jesus wept.” (35)
“Lazarus, come out!” (43b)

I. INTRODUCTION
• Faith-in-crisis
• Dark-night of soul

II. BIBLICAL CONTEXT
• Beloved friend & brother Lazarus dies
• Community and family in deep mourning
• Jesus arrives late already aware of the situation
• Mary weeps stating, “if only”

II. EMBRACING THE REALITY
• Pursue the Pursuer
• Lamenting in prayer

III. GOD IS PRESENT IN THE SILENCE
• God is in the pain with you

IV. BELIEVING BEYOND FEELING
• God is never late
• Holding on to God’s Faithfulness, Promises, Power

GROWING DEEPER QUESTIONS
1. How did today's message speak to you (encourage & challenge you)?
2. What are some reasons why God feels distant?
3. Do you remember when you had a “faith-in-crisis” moment? What happened? How did you react/respond towards God? What was the outcome?
4. Why did Jesus let Lazarus die? What was Jesus’ response?
5. Could you think of a time when Jesus wept with you?
6. What will it take for you to be able to still trust God 100% even when life doesn’t make sense?

The Lord's love be with you,
Pastor Trevor