Sermon Central
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Unshakable Faith
Contributed by Randy Bataanon on Nov 9, 2019 (message contributor)
Summary: Lazarus is a symbol of disappointment to many of us. We can relate to Martha and Mary as they say “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. There is Lazarus in everyone’s life. Inside of us is a silent question, when I’m in pain where are you God?
UNSHAKABLE FAITH
It is a common knowledge that there is nothing in this world that can be considered as permanent. Even the world that we are living is being shaken by numerous Earthquake every day. This proves that everything in this world can be shaken.
But there is verse in the Old testament which had been quoted by both Paul and Peter. This verse is a reference about Jesus as the Rock the sure foundation of our faith. The bible said that those who believe in Him is UNSHAKABLE.
Quoted by Paul:
even as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and a rock of offense; and no one who believes in him will be disappointed."
Romans 9:33 WEB
For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed."
Romans 10:11 WEB
Quoted by Peter:
Because it is contained in Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen, and precious: He who believes in him will not be disappointed."
1 Peter 2:6 WEB
This is the original reference by Isaiah
So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.
Isaias 28:16 BSB
Therefore the Lord GOD said: "Look, I have laid a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will be unshakable.
Isaias 28:16 CSB
And so the LORD says, "I'm laying a firm foundation for the city of Zion. It's a valuable cornerstone proven to be trustworthy; no one who trusts it will ever be disappointed.
Isaias 28:16 CEV
This prophetic word from Isaiah has been fulfilled in the life of Jesus. Let us see how believing in Him became the foundation of Unshakable faith of one family. The family of Martha, Mary and Lazarus the siblings.
THE LAZARUS CHALLENGE: (John 11:1-44)
Lazarus is a symbol of disappointment to many of us. We can relate to Martha and Mary as they say “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. There is Lazarus in everyone’s life. Inside of us is a silent question, when I’m in pain where are you God?
21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. John 11:21
32 Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
Martha, Mary and Lazarus are friends of Jesus. They are very close. But when the tragedy of sickness and later death struck them, their faith has been tested to see if their faith is unshakable.
LET US SEE HOW DID MARTHA AND MARY OVERCOME THE GREATEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THEIR LIFE?
HOW TO HAVE AN UNSHAKABLE FAITH?
I – Unshakable faith is not based on personal merits and accomplishment. But it is always planted on two strong foundation: It is based on Personal relationship with Jesus and the divine confidence on the love of God
1Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” John 11:1-3
II – Unshakable faith does not look on the problem alone but it seeks to understand the purpose of God
4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” John 11:4
III – Unshakable faith does not demand based on our own conditions and timing but it waits on God’s perfect time
5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. 7 Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” John 11:5
IV – Unshakable faith seize good opportunities and it prepares for the worst period of time.
8 The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?”
9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” John 11:8-10
V – Unshakable faith does not exaggerate the problem but minimize major problems by treating them calmly and confidently
11 These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.”
12 Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.
