We know Jesus waited 4 days to raise Lazarus. But why so long? Of course, we know raising Lazarus showed Jesus's deity glorifying Jesus and glorifying God. We also know it was good for strengthening the faith of the disciples but here is one thing many might not know... Jewish mysticism of the day was that the soul stayed near the body for 2 days after death. The Bible contradicts that belief; however, that was a commonly held belief at that time. In the same way, today many believe incorrectly that being a good person alone will allow them into heaven. We know this is also incorrect and contradicts scripture (John 14:6). So, we can see some of the commonly held beliefs even of religious people of each era often have nothing to do with scripture. Jesus may very well have raised Lazarus well past that 2-day time frame so that ALL would realize that he had power over death and believe in Him.
THE PARABLE OF THE TWO TREES by Steven W. Hunter (Use this original example of parables to teach students about Jesus's parables. Start by explaining parables, read some of Jesus's parables, then follow-up with this modern parable. Then, encourage them to write or make a video telling their own unique parable under 5 minutes in length.) There once grew a tree unlike any of the others. Immediately it began shooting upward growing quickly. It became stronger, with incredible large sun attracting leaves, and bark tough like iron. Its roots grew a mile in the soil, and its branches began reaching upward day by day toward the sky. Eventually, this great tree through its own efforts pierced the canopy of the forest and began overshadowing even the most ancient of great trees. This tree’s height continued unhindered as it reached still higher for the sun until one day it hit its zenith far above all the others. Having achieved ...
Video Ravi Zacharias: Postmodernism and Philosophy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAwyIDKoXYY Christian Commentary on Ravi Zacharias: Postmodernism and Philosophy As Ravi Zacharias begins this presentation, he acknowledges the brilliance of the other speaker Albert Mohler in such a humble way. To anyone viewing Ravi's presentation, his humility is immediately apparent, thus displaying his character. Ravi also elicits emotion in his audience through humor. Pastors learn this technique in Homiletics. Laughter stimulates a part of the brain known as the Amygdala. Once stimulated, concepts within the sermon more easily conjure up the intended emotions. In making decisions, we most often decide based on how something makes us feel. Have you ever thought, "It doesn't feel right." Ultimately, you will be pushed by the evidence to decide for yourself if what is being said rings true in your heart. So, ...
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