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Listen "I AM | Chris Richards | October 15, 2023"
Episode Synopsis
The overall message of the sermon is to encourage our church to believe in Jesus as the Resurrection and Life and to let go of their doubts and fears, emphasizing the transformative and life-changing impact of this belief.
This sermon, titled "I AM - Resurrection and Life," delivered by Pastor Chris Richards on October 15, 2023, explores the significance of the "I AM" statement made by Jesus in John 11:25-26. The objective of the sermon is to highlight that everything changes when Jesus is recognized as the Resurrection and Life. The sermon is divided into several sections:
**Introduction:**
- The sermon begins by acknowledging the presence of multiple church buildings in the city but also mentions a growing number of religiously unaffiliated individuals in society.
- The concept of agnosticism is introduced, particularly "theistic agnosticism" or "Agnostic Christian," individuals who believe in God but question the existence of concrete evidence.
- The sermon quotes Russell Moore, highlighting the disconnect between what the church teaches and what some perceive the church to believe.
**Exposition:**
- The passage under discussion is John 11, which contains a significant "I AM" statement.
- The story revolves around the death of Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus.
- Various characters, including Mary and Martha, display their emotions, desperation, and doctrinal beliefs.
- Jesus' response is characterized by emphasizing His glory and eternal perspective.
- Jesus identifies Himself as the Resurrection and Life, inviting the audience to believe in Him and His ability to give life.
- The audience is challenged to press into this reality of life and overcome their struggles.
**Congregational Questions:**
- The sermon includes questions for the congregation to ponder, such as the nature of their beliefs, their view of God's involvement, and the limits of their rationality.
**Conclusion:**
- The sermon concludes by emphasizing that the resurrection changes everything.
- Reference is made to R.C. Sproul's assertion that without the resurrection, Christianity is empty and irrelevant.
- The audience is encouraged to grasp the concept of life beyond physical death and to overcome their fears.
**Key Points:**
- The sermon examines the tension between faith, logic, and the desire for tangible evidence.
- It highlights Jesus' emotional and human response to the death of Lazarus, demonstrating His understanding of human struggles.
- The central theme is the transformative power of recognizing Jesus as the Resurrection and Life.
- The sermon challenges the audience to press into the reality of life beyond death.
This sermon, titled "I AM - Resurrection and Life," delivered by Pastor Chris Richards on October 15, 2023, explores the significance of the "I AM" statement made by Jesus in John 11:25-26. The objective of the sermon is to highlight that everything changes when Jesus is recognized as the Resurrection and Life. The sermon is divided into several sections:
**Introduction:**
- The sermon begins by acknowledging the presence of multiple church buildings in the city but also mentions a growing number of religiously unaffiliated individuals in society.
- The concept of agnosticism is introduced, particularly "theistic agnosticism" or "Agnostic Christian," individuals who believe in God but question the existence of concrete evidence.
- The sermon quotes Russell Moore, highlighting the disconnect between what the church teaches and what some perceive the church to believe.
**Exposition:**
- The passage under discussion is John 11, which contains a significant "I AM" statement.
- The story revolves around the death of Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus.
- Various characters, including Mary and Martha, display their emotions, desperation, and doctrinal beliefs.
- Jesus' response is characterized by emphasizing His glory and eternal perspective.
- Jesus identifies Himself as the Resurrection and Life, inviting the audience to believe in Him and His ability to give life.
- The audience is challenged to press into this reality of life and overcome their struggles.
**Congregational Questions:**
- The sermon includes questions for the congregation to ponder, such as the nature of their beliefs, their view of God's involvement, and the limits of their rationality.
**Conclusion:**
- The sermon concludes by emphasizing that the resurrection changes everything.
- Reference is made to R.C. Sproul's assertion that without the resurrection, Christianity is empty and irrelevant.
- The audience is encouraged to grasp the concept of life beyond physical death and to overcome their fears.
**Key Points:**
- The sermon examines the tension between faith, logic, and the desire for tangible evidence.
- It highlights Jesus' emotional and human response to the death of Lazarus, demonstrating His understanding of human struggles.
- The central theme is the transformative power of recognizing Jesus as the Resurrection and Life.
- The sermon challenges the audience to press into the reality of life beyond death.
In God we trust