Berean Baptist Church Sermons - Rohnert Park

The Names Of Christ, Part IV - John 11:17-26 (Bro. Jorge Henriquez)

This sermon is part four of a series on the names of Christ, delivered by Brother Jorge Henriquez at Berean Baptist Church. The episode opens with a reading from John 11:17-26, the account of Lazarus's death and Jesus' interaction with Martha. Henriquez immediately poses the central question: can the founder of your religion raise people from the dead? He explains that Jesus intentionally delayed coming to Lazarus to demonstrate his control over death. The preacher details burial practices in Bible times, noting the lack of refrigeration and Mosaic laws about cleanliness. He transitions to discussing the resurrection of Christ as the proof of his deity, referencing Romans 1:4. Henriquez lists other biblical resurrections, like Jairus's daughter and the widow's son, but notes these individuals eventually died again. He emphasizes that only Christ's resurrection is permanent. The sermon critiques other religions, stating that founders like Mohammed or Joseph Smith did not atone for sins. Henriquez explores the benefits of resurrection, including Christ's eternal priesthood as described in Hebrews 7:24. He argues this priesthood is superior to the temporary Levitical priesthood. The preacher then addresses the guarantee of believers' resurrection, citing 1 Thessalonians 4:14 and 2 Corinthians 4:13. He uses the analogy of a tomato harvest to explain the staged resurrection of saints, with Christ as the first fruit. Henriquez discusses the transformation of believers' bodies, referencing Philippians 3:21 and J. Vernon McGee's commentary. He touches on the soul, suggesting eyes reveal its condition and sharing a story about phantom limb syndrome to illustrate the soul's reality. The sermon concludes with an altar call, urging listeners to trust in Christ for salvation.

As heard by us

John 11 becomes a sermon on grief, resurrection, and Christ's enduring priesthood.

Berean Baptist Church centers John 11 on Lazarus, Martha, Mary, and the shock of four days in the grave. It moves through Martha's meeting with Jesus and the promise that her brother shall rise again, keeping the scene plain while carrying grief toward resurrection hope.

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Why you'd press play

You start in Lazarus's grave and end up in a sermon about resurrection, priesthood, and salvation.

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