Sermon Series: I Corinthians

The Doctrine of Resurrection
1 Corinthians 15
Part Twelve: The Reasonableness of Resurrection, I-III

1 Corinthians 15:35-49

35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: 38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. 39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. 40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

Introduction:

Review of the first eleven sermons on this chapter:

1. Introduction
2. The Transmission of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (15:1-4)
3. According to the Scriptures (15:3-4)
4. Christ Died For Our Sins (15:3)
5. And That He Was Buried (15:4)
6. The Final Fullness of the Gospel (4b-11)
    2) The Gospel Seen by Men (15:5-8)
    3) The Gospel Preached by Men (15:9-11b)
7. The Eye-Witnesses to the Resurrection (15:5-8)
8. The Path for Paul from Persecutor to Preacher (15:8-11)
9. No Resurrection of the Dead? (15:12-19)
10. The Direct Connections to the Firstfruits of the Resurrection (15:20-28)
11. Why Bother? Onward Christian Soldiers! (15:29-34)

Bible Study Pointers:

Studying the Bible profitably, properly, successfully and submissively involves the asking of questions. Ask questions of the text. Look for answers. Ask the right questions! Find the right answers!

1. Comparison: What is there that is common to each paragraph or section (what do they have in common, if anything)?
2. Contrast: What is there that is different in each paragraph or section?
3. Shift: What has changed from one paragraph or section to the next?
4. Development: What development does this change or shift signify?
5. Beginning: Where is the author coming from?
6. End: Where is the author going to?
7. Middle: How is the author getting there?
8. Gist: What is the most important statement(s) or point(s) in the passage?

From the introductory message:

"What does it mean if we do not understand how it is possible? – Verses 35-49
The question restated: Is this doctrine reasonable even if we find ourselves at the frontiers of reason in striving to understand it?"

Outline:

The Possibility of Resurrection Questioned (15:35)
The Questioner of Resurrection Confronted (15:36)
The Reality of Resurrection Explained (15:37-41)
The Nature of Resurrection Connected (15:42-49)  


I. The Possibility of Resurrection Questioned (15:35) - Objection

But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

The nature of the question - "How...?"

The sense of the question - "With what body...?"


II. The Questioner of Resurrection Confronted (15:36) - Exclamation

Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:

Reasoning with the Unreasonable

Ps. 14:1 - The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Science beyond the Scientists

Jn. 12:24 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

The Philosopher climbing the Mountain in search of Wisdom - the Theologians are already there

What is a Philosopher?
A Blind Man trying to find a Black Cat in a Dark Room who isn't there!



III. The Reality of Resurrection Explained (15:37-41) - Explanation and Foundation

³⁷ And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: ³⁸ But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. ³⁹ All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. ⁴⁰ There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. ⁴¹ There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

Three Examples:

First Example - Plant Kingdom (Agriculture)

Second Example - Animal Kingdom

Third Example - Solar System (40-41) and beyond - Celestial Bodies

Phil. 2:10 - That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Fall Family Festival

Wayside Gospel Chapel is hosting its Third Annual "Fall Family Festival" on Sunday, October 30, 2011 from 3:00-6:00 PM at the church. Wayside Gospel Chapel is located in Greene Township on the corner of Roemerville Road and PA Route 390 about 4 miles south of Promised Land State Park in Pike County, PA. The activities at the Fall Family Festival will include turkey bowling, leaf jumping, pumpkin carving, hay bale throwing and more. There will be food and a bonfire. All ages are welcome, and there is no charge. Activities will take place inside and outside, so please wear warm clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty! For more information contact Pastor Jeffery by email at waysidegospelchapel at yahoo dot com.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The following is a guest post by permission from the author, Pastor Mark LaCour, Grace Bible Fellowship (Baton Rouge, LA). More by this author may be found on Sermon Audio at http://www.sermonaudio.com/source_detail.asp?sourceid=gbf [accessed 25 MAY 2011].

THE BOTTOM LINE
by Mark LaCour

"Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. (2 Thess. 2:1-2).

Harold Camping isn't the first preacher to be a "victim" of bad math. Jonah had the number of days to judgment correct, but God mercifully extended the deadline. Hananiah shortened the number of years of judgment, and it cost him his life (Jer. 28). But bad "accounting" methods don't produce false prophets -- arrogance does. While Harold Camping and his faulty "math" has exposed him for who he is, don’t think for a second God hasn't used him. Notice a few ways:

First, God has used him to show the world how foolish it is to date the future. It's one thing to "look for the blessed appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior" (Titus 2:13), it's another to circle a date on a calendar and hour on a clock. The former emphasizes our desire to be with Christ, the latter our desire to be seen as someone important with inside knowledge from God.

Second, God has used him to harden people in their arrogance. More than one atheist has patted himself on the back that he's more "enlightened." While he correctly assizes Camping as foolish, he mistakenly generalizes from that foolishness there is no return of Christ at all (2 Pet. 3:3ff.) And God uses Camping's foolishness to harden the atheist with that effect (2 Thess. 2:9-10). Laughing at the "fool on the hill" doesn’t equate to every Christian being a fool. We’re just not on the hill.

Third, God has used him to discipline well-meaning but gullible Christians to always test the prophetic. Rarely is naivete built on immaturity alone, but pride. People giving up jobs, spending their retirement, working/preaching long hours to get the message out is disheartening, but the rebuke should be evident -- humble yourself and listen to others outside your own circle. "The naive believes everything, but the sensible man considers his steps" (Prov. 14:15) -- a consideration that requires being teachable from others (Prov. 9:4, 16).

If Noah, a preacher of righteousness (2 Pet. 2:5), had concentrated his preaching on the 120 years God was to put up with mankind before the flood (Gen. 6:3) the unbelievers wouldn't have been caught off-guard when the flood came (Lk. 17:26-27); and two, he could have "dragged his feet" in building the ark, knowing he had 120 years. He did neither. He left the calendar -- and the math to God. So should we. There’s too much building yet to be done.

Sola Gratia

Sola Gratia is one of the five doctrinal “solas” associated with the Reformation: sola Scriptura, sola fide, solo Christo, sola gratia, and soli Deo Gloria. These five “solas” distinguished this historic revival of Biblical Christianity from the Romish errors that had dominated “Christendom” from the 3rd to the 16th centuries A.D. In each of these it is the “sola” that is the necessary criterion for distinguishing the true doctrine from the false. Unfortunately, in the soteriological teachings of many professedly evangelical Protestant churches, schools, and groups, the sola in sola gratia is denied either implicitly or explicitly. This is done by some inconsistently while still maintaining confessional allegiance to sola gratia, or while explicitly professing assent to it.

1. Grace is Alone by Definition - Sola Gratia is Redundant!

There is a sense in which sola gratia is redundant! If grace is not "alone" it is not grace! "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." (Romans 11:6) The grace of God by definition will not admit of any admixture of debt! "Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt." (Romans 4:4)

2. Grace is Alone as Sovereign - God Will Not Share His Glory with Another!

If grace is not sovereign it is not grace, because God will not share His glory with another! "I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:8) "For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another." (Isaiah 48:11) Grace is depicted in Scripture as reigning as a sovereign: “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:21) The God of grace is the giver of every good and perfect gift, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (Jas. 1:17) He actually reigns as the absolute Sovereign, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:15) “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (Rev. 17:14) “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev. 19:16) The nature of His grace is determined by His nature. The grace of a sovereign is sovereign grace, and the grace of God is absolute in its sovereign nature. It cannot be otherwise. Therefore, it is also redundant to describe God's grace by the modifiers "sovereign" or "free". If God's grace is not sovereign, then it is not grace at all. If it is not free, then it is not grace, and it most certainly is not God's grace.

3. Grace is Alone as Glorious - Pure Unmixed Grace, Sovereign Non-Contingent Grace is Praised by the Redeemed!

It is only such non-contingent, unmixed, sovereign grace of God that elicits the praise of His people: "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence" (Eph. 1:6-8)


Sola Gratia, Soli Deo Gloria,

John T. “Jack” Jeffery
Pastor, Wayside Gospel Chapel
Greentown, Pennsylvania

Of That Day And Hour Knoweth No Man

It Is Not For You To Know The Times Or The Seasons
______________________________________________

I. The Truth of Scripture Regarding Human Knowledge Concerning the Time of the Second Advent of Christ

A. The Doctrine of Jesus Christ in the Gospels:

Matthew 24:36 - But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

[Parallel Passage: Mark 13:32 - But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.]

Matthew 24:42 - Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

Matthew 24:44 - Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Matthew 24:50 - The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,

Matthew 25:13 - Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

B. The Teaching of the Prophet Zechariah:

Zechariah 14:7 - But it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.

C. The Teachings of the Angels and the Apostles in the New Testament:

Acts 1:7 - And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 – [1] But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. [2] For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

2 Peter 3:10 - But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  
______________________________________________

II. The Biblical Condemnation of False Prophets and False Teachers

A. In the Pauline Epistles:

The Teaching of Error Regarding the Fulfillment of Prophecy is to be Shunned, and False Teachers are to be Delivered to Satan to Learn not to Blaspheme

2 Timothy 2:14-19 – [14] Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. [16] But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. [17] And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; [18] Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. [19] Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

1 Timothy 1:19-20 – [19] Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: [20] Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

B. In the Mosaic Law:

False Prophecy is Condemned and False Prophets are to be Punished with the Death Penalty According to the Law of Moses

Deut. 13:1-5 – [1] If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, [2] And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; [3] Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. [4] Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. [5] And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the Lord thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

Deut. 18:20-22 – [20] But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. [21] And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? [22] When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
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III. Scriptural Conclusions Concerning the Proper Response of Christians to False Prophets and False Teachers

The setting of dates and other false teachings regarding the fulfillment of prophecy is no light matter. It is a very serious error. This is not something to be taken lightly. It is not interesting, it is fatal.

False prophets and false teachers are to be shunned. Do no listen to them.

There is nothing to debate. There is nothing to discuss. There is no debate or discussion about adultery or drunkenness, and none should be entertained about false prophets and false teachers.

Shun them. Shut them off. Never listen to them again. Under Old Testament Law they would be put to death. Consider them as dead, as delivered up to Satan for blasphemous pronouncements in the Name of God.

Those who have been taken in by their deception may be appealed to that they may repent and be delivered from the false teaching. However, if and when they attempt to propagate or disseminate the false teaching they themselves come under the same indictment as the false teacher or false prophet, and must be shunned as well.

This includes, for example, but is not limited to the following: Harold Camping, Jack Van Impe, and their promoters.

Sola Scriptura, Soli Deo Gloria,

John T. “Jack” Jeffery
Pastor, Wayside Gospel Chapel
Greentown, Pennsylvania

May 23, 2011

2011 John Bunyan Conference

The following is adapted from the Sound of Grace, Issue 175 March 2011, Page 11 at http://www.soundofgrace.com/pdf/issue175.pdf [accessed 11 MAR 2011]. Conference information may also be found on the Sound of Grace web site at http://www.soundofgrace.com/johnbunyanconference.htm [accessed 11 MAR 2011].

The 2011 John Bunyan Conference is scheduled for May 2, 3 and 4 at the Reformed Baptist Church in Lewisburg, PA.

Speakers and Topics:

Chad Bresson - Stephen, A New Covenant Preacher
Les Clemens - Some Practical Implications of New Covenant Theology
John Reisinger - Romans in the 21st Century
John Reisinger - Book review: 40 Questions About Christians and Biblical Law
Steve West - Ethical Implications of the Sermon on the Mount Today
Blake White - Union With Christ and the New Covenant
Fred Zaspel - The Great Commission in Redemptive–Historical Perspective
Fred Zaspel - Cur Deus Homo (translation: "Why the God-Man?") – Hebrews 2

Lodging

Lodging for the conference is available at a reduced rate at the Country Inn and Suites by Carlson in Lewisburg, PA. Just mention that you would like accommodations for the John Bunyan Conference to receive a double occupancy room for only $89.00 per night which includes a nice continental breakfast. Reservations must be made by no later than April 10, 2011 to receive this reduced rate. Reservations at the Country Inn and Suites may be made by calling 800-456-4000 or 570-524-6600. Their website is http://www.countryinns.com/lewisburgpa and the address is 134 Walter Drive, Route 15, P.O. Box 46, Lewisburg, PA 17837.

Meals

Meals for lunch and dinner will be available at the church.

Registration

The registration is $65.00 per individual and includes four meals. Space is limited and registration will be restricted to the first 100 individuals who register. Please register by no later than April 10, 2010. Sign-in for the conference will be from 12:30pm to 1:30pm on Monday, May 2, 2011 at Reformed Baptist Church.

Registration by phone:

Please call 301-473-8781 for registration; Visa or MasterCard accepted.

Registration by mail:

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2010 JOHN BUNYAN CONFERENCE, LEWISBURG, PA
MAY 2 - 4, 2011

□ Register me for the 2011 John Bunyan Conference. Enclosed is a check for $65.00.
□ Register me for the 2011 John Bunyan Conference. Enclosed is a check for $20.00; I will pay the remaining $45.00 upon sign-in.

Make the check payable to Sovereign Grace New Covenant Ministries with a note “For 2011 John Bunyan Conference” and mail to 5317 Wye Creek Dr, Frederick, MD 21703-6938.

Sermon Series: Men Who Died With A Smile On Their Face, Part Two

Subject: Lazarus
Text: John 11
Subtitle: Once More Through the Tomb!

Introduction:

Review sermon series introduction from previous sermon –
Part One: Samson – Judges 16, One Push From Glory

“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more,
Or close the wall up with our English dead!
In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility;
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger:
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood.”

Henry V, 3:1:44-51, by William Shakespeare


I. The Response of the Disciples to the Death of Lazarus - John 11:1-13

[1] Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. [2] (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) [3] Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. [4] When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. [5] Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. [6] When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. [7] Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. [8] His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? [9] Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. [10] But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. [11] These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. [12] Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. [13] Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

 
II. The Response of Christ to the Disciples – John 11:14-42

[14] Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. [15] And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. [16] Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. [17] Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. [18] Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: [19] And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. [20] Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. [21] Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. [22] But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. [23] Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. [24] Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. [25] Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? [27] She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. [28] And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. [29] As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. [30] Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. [31] The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. [32] Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. [33] When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, [34] And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. [35] Jesus wept. [36] Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! [37] And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? [38] Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. [39] Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. [40] Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? [41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. [42] And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

Who was Jesus weeping for?
You have a choice!
Who’s role will you play?
Who’s part will you take?
Be careful what choice you make!
Is Jesus weeping for you?


III. The Response of Lazarus to the Command of Christ – John 11:43-44

[43] And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. [44] And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Consider this from Lazarus’ perspective rather than from the perspective of a bystander

Consider this as reality rather than history

There is a difference between resurrection and resuscitation

The place of this event as one of the greatest miracles

Clusters of miracles in Biblical history

Other resurrections/resuscitations in Scripture:

1 Kings 17:22 - And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.

2 Kings 4:35 - Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.
2 Kings 13:21 - And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.

Matthew 9:25 - But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

Mark 5:42 - And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

Matthew 27:52 - And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

Luke 7:15 - And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

Acts 9:40 - But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

 
IV. The Response of the Unbelievers to the Resurrection of Lazarus – John 11:45-57

[45] Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. [46] But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. [47] Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. [48] If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. [49] And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, [50] Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. [51] And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; [52] And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. [53] Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. [54] Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. [55] And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves. [56] Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? [57] Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.


There were two completely different reactions to Lazarus’ resuscitation

Note the unbelief and the blindness of sin even in the face of this great display of God's power


Conclusion:

Compare the truths of the Christian life in Christ

the resurrection of the Christian in Christ
the murderous hatred of world to testimony of Christians
the death of the resurrected followed by life

“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more,
Or close the wall up with our English dead!
In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility;
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger:
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood.”

Henry V, 3:1:44-51, by William Shakespeare

resurrection followed by death followed by life followed by resurrection?
Romans 6
Colossians 2

Will you have a smile on your face when you die?