The Lazarus Factor
Summary
Stephen Furtick preaches on John 11, exploring why Jesus delayed helping Lazarus to deepen faith rather than just fix circumstances. He introduces the "Lazarus Factor," urging listeners to trust God’s sovereignty even when prayers seem unanswered or situations appear hopeless. Furtick emphasizes that God’s love is proven through trust in His absence, not just comfort in His presence. The message encourages believers to bring their disappointments to God, believing He works all things for His glory.
Topics discussed
Podcast intro and advertisements
Introduction to John 11 and the story of Lazarus
The Lazarus Factor: God's delay and love language
Speaker's personal story about pet cremation
Faith, disappointment, and being 'left on read' by God
Honest worship and the insight of hindsight
Understanding God's timing and the purpose of delay
Jesus' journey to Judea and the reality of death
Martha's honest prayer and shifting perspective
Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life
Mary's grief and Jesus' empathy at the tomb
Jesus wept and the raising of Lazarus
Conclusion and final advertisements
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