“He’s calling us to walk out of the dark; He’s giving us new resurrected hearts. Come on and rise up, take a breath, you’re alive now; Can’t you hear the voice of Jesus calling us; Out from the grave like Lazarus.” These are words from a new Christian song by Cain.
I believe that there is more to this story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead than most realize. This story demonstrates the true nature of Christ—It exemplifies His AUTHORITY over death and sin. This story is about the manifestation of Jesus’ far reaching POWER to go into the grave and raise up the dead. I believe that this story is about more than Jesus having the power and authority to raise this natural body—It also demonstrates His power to bring one from the depths of this world’s hold upon us.
When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:17-21)
How often in our own lives we think – “if only God were more involved”, “if only I was closer to Jesus, then things would have gone my way”, “I certainly wouldn’t be in this hardship if Jesus had responded more quickly.” Join us Sunday at Sedona United Methodist Church as the Rev. Fred Mast shares a message entitled “Livin’ Like We’re Lazarus.”
As we strive to keep our community safe and healthy we continue to offer an amazing Spirit Filled On-Line Worship experience each week—You are invited to access worship through our website (www.sedonaumc.org). Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship featuring meaningful and uplifting music, special times of prayer and passionate life changing messages designed to move you closer in your relationship with Jesus Christ and others.
Join us for our weekly Book Study—”A Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel (Participant Guides available). This six-week study will meet Tuesdays On-Line via Zoom @ 10:30am & at the Gathering Place at 2:00 pm – 1835 W State Rte. 89A @ 2PM. All are welcome—Call the church office for details.
Check out our Facebook and Website page for the latest details and updates regarding church activities and Re-Opening Plan coming soon!!! Check out our NEW “SUMC Joy Hotline” on our website and share the “Joys & Blessings” happening in your life! Don’t hesitate to contact us if we may be of assistance and for pastoral care. We are here to help!
The Church Building may be temporarily closed—But the Church is certainly open with so many great missions, ministries and opportunities at Sedona UMC—Visit our website at us on www.sedonaumc.org and “Like” us on Facebook. We would love to pray for you! —Prayer requests may be submitted online or by calling us at 928-282-1780. We are conveniently located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road off the Back O’Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona. All are welcome at Sedona UMC—We look forward to seeing you very soon—Come and grow with us!
