"removing The Grave Clothes."

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES

(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.”

(Romans 6:8-10) (8) “Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:” (9) “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.” (10) “For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.”

(Isaiah 53:8) “He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

(Colossians 3:10) “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:”

PREFACE SUMMARY

I have spent considerable time reflecting on this message, which has weighed heavily on my heart. As I sought the Lord's guidance, I prayed that he would help me communicate the depth of my feelings I learned from the Holy Spirit concerning the phrase, "Removing the grave clothes."

I find myself pondering Isaiah 53:8, which poses the question, “Who shall declare his generation?” This verse carries profound implications, emphasizing that Jesus' death was not simply a historical event but a pivotal moment with far-reaching effects on humanity's relationship with God. The phrase tells us that there was a lack of recognition and acknowledgment of his true mission and identity during his lifetime.

Today, some people do not grasp the full magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice at Calvary. To me, the verse points toward hope, indicating that future generations of believers would come to understand, appreciate, and ultimately declare the importance of Jesus and his supreme sacrifice for humanity, his greatest creation.

Living the crucified life, declaring his generation, and enduring the pressures of this world require discipline and a motivated prayer life. To say that we are Christians is to say that we are Christ-like or living like Christ would live. Our dreams can die quickly and die right before our eyes. Our Relationships have a way of dying and leaving us devastated. Our faith can find a way of fading in the face of overwhelming trials.

Our dreams, once vibrant and full of promise, can fade away all too quickly, slipping through our fingers before we even realize what’s happening. Watching aspirations that once lit our path extinguish instantly is a painful process. Our relationships, which we often invest so much time and emotion into, can come to a sudden end, leaving us heartbroken and disoriented. The connections we cherish can falter, leaving a void that feels impossible to fill.

Our faith often faces challenges when we are confronted with relentless trials and overwhelming adversity. In these difficult moments, our faith becomes more essential than ever, serving as a guiding light in times of darkness. However, the weight of our struggles can create shadows that obscure our beliefs, leading us to question the principles we once held dear.

It is not uncommon for doubt to creep in, making it increasingly difficult to uphold the certainty and conviction that had previously anchored us. Yet, it is through these very challenges that our faith can grow stronger, teaching us resilience and deepening our understanding of ourselves and our beliefs.

In conclusion, our faith transcends being merely a collection of beliefs; it acts as a profound source of strength that empowers us in challenging times. It serves as a guiding light, illuminating our path and helping us navigate through the darkness that may surround us. This inner conviction not only provides comfort and hope but also inspires us to rise above adversity, ultimately leading us toward personal growth and a brighter future.

“LAZARUS: THE VOICE OF THE FORGOTTEN."

We find in (John 11:43-44) where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, granting him the gift of life once more. With this miraculous transformation, he came forth bound hand and foot wrapped in bandages, unable to embrace his new existence fully. He had been freed from the grave, but the remnants of his former state held him back. It took the compassionate efforts of others to come alongside him, gently unwrapping the bandages. Their support allowed him to step into the fullness of life that awaited him beyond the shadows of death.

The spiritual aspect of this could be summed up by saying that if we gravitate or are drawn towards individuals who are healthy and share similar tastes in clothing, it often creates a sense of comfort and familiarity. This preference allows us to connect more easily with those who reflect our lifestyle choices.