Lazarus Story - Transformation

“The Lazarus Life” (Introduction)

Lazarus Story = Transformation

Everyone needs transformation – Change of form or nature (character)

Introduction: Matthew 5:3 (Message) “You are blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule.

1. Refer to John 11

2. 2Corinthians 5:17 New creation – God has started His work. Frequently theory not in

Practice.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 Need of ongoing process – tranforamtion by and through Holy Spirit

Ephesians 2:10 Created to do Good works

Ephesians 4: 22-24 New attitude of mind

Colossians 3:1-11 Putting off and putting on

Note: God has special place in His heart for ordinary people longing desperately for change (Transformation)

Frequently in tomb of defeat, despair (own tomb) – bound in graveclothes, beginning to smell, nothing but darkness around us.

The Bible is full of characters who experienced the tomb and emerged radiant – Glorifying God.

a) Joseph Genesis 50:20 God meant it for good

b) 1Samuel 22:1-2 Man distressed, in debt, discontented

c) Daniel – Righteous, lived right, Lion’s Den (tomb). Daniel’s attempt to change/transform young Hebrews

d) Woman at the well (Samaria woman)

e) Pool Bethesda 38years, John 5

f) Peter's transformation having denied Christ

g) Thomas the doubter – Man of Faith