Slideshow image

As a pastor, I often find myself reflecting on the sermons I deliver, especially when they intersect so profoundly with the events unfolding in our world. This past Sunday, September 14, 2025, I preached from John 11:38-44, a passage that speaks directly to the power of Jesus Christ over life and death. But before diving into the Scripture, I felt compelled to address the heartbreaking news that shook our nation just days earlier—the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk. It's been a heavy week, and I want to share my thoughts here in this blog, just as I did from the pulpit.

Remembering Charlie Kirk: A Martyr for the Faith

Let me start by sharing some of my raw thoughts about what happened. By now, most of you are familiar with who Charlie Kirk was—and still is, in the eternal sense. Amen? Because Charlie Kirk is in heaven, with the Lord today. If you're not as familiar, he was the founder of Turning Point USA, famous for boldly entering colleges and universities to confront students about their faith and beliefs. He was a controversial figure in America, but one who always pointed people back to the Gospel.

My first reaction after hearing about his murder on September 11 at an event in Utah Valley University was shock. The week flew by so fast, but the pain lingers. Some called it a political assassination, but I'm telling you right now, it wasn't. That's just spin. Charlie Kirk was martyred—killed because of what he stood for and believed. He was gunned down while hosting a Turning Point USA event, and authorities have since arrested a suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.

One thing I always appreciated about Charlie was how he shared the Gospel in every confrontation, whether on a campus, his program, or even in debates abroad. And now, the wickedness in America has grown to where Christians are being killed for their faith. I believe Charlie was the first of many. He was a prominent voice God used to convince young people to abandon the world's teachings—the lifestyle Satan pushes.

As I thought about it this week, we must unashamedly stand for what's right, just like Charlie did. I know he was prepared to give his life; I've heard his testimonies. He knew the risks every time he stepped onto a campus. Our prayers go out to his wife, Erica, and their children. Taking a stand for Christ puts a target on your back, but I'm not saying this to discourage you. Be encouraged by Charlie's life—he was a huge influence, and we'll miss him greatly.

I wish I had even a fraction of his debating talent. God gave him a gift to turn any argument back to the Bible. Amen? For us, it means we keep on keeping on, staying true to who God wants us to be, without backing down. And yes, I'll say it here too: Transgenderism isn't just a spiritual problem; it's a mental one. People are starting to stand against it, and pushback is coming. Get ready—like the attempts on President Trump's life, more of this may follow.

Two things to consider: First, it's a sign of the end times. As Christ's return nears, evil will increase, so be mentally and spiritually prepared. Second, it doesn't stop us. I've said unpopular things from the pulpit, and one day police might arrest me. All I ask is have bail money ready! But seriously, understand these things happen for a reason—God is still in control. Amen?

Stand for your faith. Let Charlie inspire us. Pray for his family, and prepare for what's coming. Turning Point USA truly became a turning point in the USA.

Directing Our Eyes to the Power of Jesus Christ

Having said that, the message I prepared three weeks ago—unaware of these events—directs us to Christ's power. Okay? We're in John 11, where Lazarus has died. We've seen Jesus delay His coming, knowing Lazarus was sick. He referred to death as sleep—a euphemism for believers, where the body dies but the soul lives with God. That's where Charlie is today. Amen? What he's experiencing in worship, he'd never want to return. If you're a believer, you'll understand one day.

We've progressed: Martha says, "If You'd been here sooner, my brother wouldn't have died." Mary weeps and says the same. The emotion affected Christ's heart—He wept (John 11:35). What a beautiful picture of God.

This morning—er, in the sermon—let's imagine standing in a cemetery beside a loved one's grave. Feel the autumn chill, the leaves dancing in the wind, mirroring our sorrow. The atmosphere heavy with loss. Then, someone says, "Dig up the coffin and open it." We'd react in horror—it's been days, nothing but decay.

We've all faced such moments, grappling with death's finality and hopelessness. In John 11:38-44, Jesus, with Mary, Martha, and others, encounters that sorrow. It's not just about Lazarus; it speaks to us, filled with doubt about God's power in our lives.

As news broke this week, doubts arose: How could this happen in America? Yet, in those moments, Christ's resurrection power seems distant. How many at a funeral think, "Could Christ raise this person?" We don't, because it feels impossible.

I'm not saying Christ will raise people now—that's not the point. The point is how distant it becomes. The fear of loss urges us to wonder if God can help. We're not alone; it's okay to acknowledge doubt.

Now, we're invited to recognize Jesus' extraordinary power. That's why I'm excited: Amid this week's events, whatever your struggles, Jesus has incredible power. Amen? The question to Martha: "Do you believe this?" Recognizing Him as resurrection and life means acknowledging His might.

This miracle didn't just happen thousands of years ago; Christ allowed Lazarus to die for God's glory. In verses 38-44, Jesus groans, comes to the grave (a cave with a stone), and says, "Take away the stone." Martha objects: "He stinks; he's been dead four days."

Jesus reminds: "If you believe, you'll see God's glory." They remove the stone; He prays, thanking the Father, so others believe. Then, "Lazarus, come forth!" The dead man emerges, bound in grave clothes. "Loose him and let him go."

Jesus' Power Conquers Death and Reveals Glory

First point: Jesus' power conquers death and reveals God's glory. He faces death willingly, not afraid—unlike us, who avoid funerals confronting mortality. He groans deeply but cometh to the grave.

He challenges the impossible: "Take away the stone." Martha sees hopelessness, but Jesus knows His power over decay.

The command: "Lazarus, come forth!" Speculation: If not specific, all might rise—He's God. If He raises the dead, He can handle our circumstances. Amen?

Second: His power speaks to our doubts. Martha's objection is us in impossible situations—like diagnoses or turmoil. We doubt, seeing the glass half empty.

Jesus gently reminds: "If you believe, see God's glory." He links belief to glory. He prayed publicly so others believe—not needing to, but to help overcome doubt.

All He asks is belief. For salvation: Romans 10:9-13—confess and believe. True belief involves action.

Third: His power calls for embrace, letting go of skepticism. The stone is the barrier—death separates. They obeyed, removing it despite doubt.

Lazarus emerges—comical, bound, trying to exit. Jesus: "Loose him." The stone between unbelievers and life is doubt. Remove it; believe, and life comes.

Embrace Him: He's eternal life. The wages of sin is death, but God's gift is eternal life through Christ.

A Call to Believe and Obey

As we journey through John 11, remember: Jesus defeats death, reveals glory, challenges doubts. If He resurrected Lazarus and Himself, set aside fears.

He invites: "Believest thou this?" Embrace Him, release skepticism, step into transformed life.

If struggling with grief or impossibility, remove hesitation's stone. Trust Jesus. For believers, lean on His strength; for seekers, confess and believe (Romans 10:9-13).

Imagine Lazarus emerging—crowd speechless. "Loose him" echoes: Death defeated, doubts shattered, lives changed. That's His power—resurrect hopes, heal wounds, offer freedom.