Dry Bones

FULL SERVICE: * See SERMON ONLY below

SERMON ONLY:

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Introduction: Since we are so close to Halloween, I thought we might pay a little thought to that which we all share – death! 

1. There is a little doubt that most western nations tend to downplay and redefine the reality of death. But for Christians, because of the promise of resurrection, the fear as well as the reality of death has well and truly been crushed by the death and resurrection of Christ. Which begs the question, “why does it not feel like it?”
2. If that is not your experience, praise God! But for many Christians, there is a feeling that we have really great reasons to believe that death has been defeated, yet the experience of the Christian Life does not seem to set us free from the same temptations the world that does not believe it. Has that some truth to it?
3. John 10:10  says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” When you read that, what comes to your mind?
4. Answer this question, “if it all ends at death, what’s the ultimate point of anything?”
5. Read Ezekiel 37:1-14. I said, “Here was a nation in bondage in slavery. Desperate and hopeless. Enslaved and stripped of dignity. They were humiliated and abused.” Greek philosophy would have called it “a fear of non-being.” The idea of utter meaningless. Is that really a description of life outside of the gospel? 
6. We are not saying that people have no meaning. We are saying that their life is utterly meaningless without Christ. Is that true? Why? Why not?
7. I say that “when God’s Word has been ignored, collecting dust in the corner; His commandments disobeyed, dethroned to the shelf of subjectivity; and His offers of salvation rejected;” that there are consequences. Think this trough one by one. What consequences both in time and in eternity?
8. The nation of Israel had abandoned their God and that meant punishment. But the grace of God offered life upon repentance and faith in the promise. God was willing to restore life to that which deserved nothing but death. How does that point to the gospel in Christ?
9. Read John 11:17-27. There is a lot of comedy and tragedy in this wonderful drama. Can you pick out the tensions and misunderstandings? 
10. Some of the most profound statements ever spoken are here in this passage. But it is right alongside the “not-so-profound” statements. Can you pick them out?
11. What does it mean that in Christ’s death and resurrection, my death dies and my resurrection is guaranteed?
12. But it says more, doesn’t it? It not only says that He will resurrect us (which is true), but it also says that He is the resurrection. He also says that He is “the life” itself! He does not just provide and offer life, He is it!! Although this is a difficult question and it might hurt your head a little, “what does it mean that Christ is my resurrection and life?” Here is a hint. One is a by-produce, and the other concerns an identity and a relationship. That’s all, the rest is for you!