“I am the Resurrection and the Life” (John11:25) is the fifth of the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus. Lazarus was dead—Jesus had heard that His good friend was sick, but instead of going to visit Lazarus, Jesus stayed where he was for two more days. He explained to His puzzled disciples that the sickness was “for God’s glory, and that God’s Son would be glorified through it” (v. 4). After Lazarus died, Jesus began a journey to Bethany, Lazarus’s home. When Jesus informed His disciples, Jesus simply said His friend was “asleep, and I am going there to wake him up” (vs. 11).
Jesus in saying, “I am the resurrection and the life” was claiming to be the source of both life and victory over death—There is no resurrection apart from Christ, and there is no eternal life apart from Christ. And Jesus was also once again making a statement concerning His divine nature—He does more than give life; He is life, and therefore death has no ultimate power over Him. Jesus shows that neither death nor time is an obstacle to Him.
Outside the tomb, “Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’ The dead man came out” (vs. 43). Death has no dominion over Him who is Life, nor does death have dominion over those who are in Him (1 Cor. 15:54-55). Because He lives, we live. Because He is Life, we have won life eternally. Join us this week at Sedona United Methodist Church as Rev. Fred Mast continues a sermon series based on the seven “I Am” sayings of Jesus and shares this important message from the 11th chapter of John’s Gospel in a message entitled, “Rise and Shine”.
Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 a.m. featuring meaningful times of prayer, joyous music, and life messages that will help move you closer in your relationship with Christ. Our worship is upbeat and lively, and spirit filled! Immediately following worship, you are encouraged and invited to stay and join us in our Fellowship Hall for the friendliest and best fellowship time anywhere featuring delicious snacks and great coffee and always friendship.
Join Emerson Theater Collaborative in their production of “The Alabama Story” by Kenneth Jones—a new play about Books, Race, Censorship, and the American Character, produced by Camilla Ross and Directed by Brienne Reeder. Three performances February 22nd & 23rd at 7:00PM, and Sunday February 24th at 2:00PM. All performances to be held in the SUMC Fellowship Hall. For more information or to purchase tickets call (860) 705-9711 or visit www.emersontheatercollaborative.org.
Sedona UMC offers several weekly book and bible studies: Wednesday’s our Men’s Bible Study at 9am; and Thursday’s our Women’s Bible Study at 9:45am. So many great missions, ministries and events happening 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—Come and grow with us!
