2. When Mary experienced resurrection she became a messenger and not just a recipient of His grace.

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1 The Passion of Christ Bishop B. Courtney McBath Hebrews Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; 5 and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; 6 FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES." REVIEW: It's Better the Second Time Around John Mary doesn't recognize Jesus until He calls her name. She doesn't understand resurrection from a distance. She cannot comprehend resurrection until HER NAME is in it- personal. 2. When Mary experienced resurrection she became a messenger and not just a recipient of His grace. 3. The power of resurrection made Jesus a GREATER THREAT, brought Him GREATER PRAISE and resulted in GREATER PURPOSE!

2 1. A Greater Threat. - Lazarus. John 12.1,2, 9-11 A. Evidence is a problem for the devil. Empirical data is a problem for the enemy. Hard to argue with FOLDED FACECLOTHS!! B. He will try to kill your RESURRECTED LIFE! C. The Threat is your testimony! Jn 9:25 He then answered, "Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." 2. A Greater Appreciation A. YOUR SALVATION IS A MIRACLE B. YOUR DELIVERANCE IS A MIRACLE APPRECIATION IS GREATER It's no longer a story, a book, the Bible or a sermon! 3. A Greater Purpose. - Jesus - John 12,23,24 And Jesus *answered them, saying, The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone but if it dies it brings forth much fruit. Lazarus' death brought glory to God! Jn 11:4 But when Jesus heard this, He said, "This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it." C. God is so relentless about purpose He moves when things look DEAD Elijah and Elisha - Elijah performed 14 in his life and Elisha 27 dead bones doubled the miracles 2 Kings The Passion of Christ

3 Hebrews Passion-a deep desire or longing. Commitment that is unusual, overwhelming or consuming. Christ death on the Cross is often called His Passion because it required the sacrifice of His life. 1. His Passion Makes Me Run the Race His PASSION got me in the race! 2 Co 5.21 His PASSION helps me endure the race! His PASSION assures I will finish the race! 1Co 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 2. His Passion Makes Me Lay Aside Hindrances My PASSION makes me want to run HARD My PASSION makes me want to run with DIVINE DIRECTION My PASSION makes me want to run UNENCUMBERED Heb. 12.1A let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 3. His Passion Protects Me from Growing Weary

4 My PASSION gives me a heart for worship Ps 103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; 3 Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; 4 Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; 5 Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle. My PASSION gives me a heart for GOOD WORKS My PASSION gives me a heart for Lost People! PASSION PRODUCES JOY!!! Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

5 Passion for the Broken April Story April 3 Award Presentation Presenting to older members of church who have served for years. Passing torch to next generation Bible doesn t speak in terms of one generation over another but generations working together to do the work of the Kingdom. Want the opportunity to talk about that more with year olds (please do not say 40 year olds or even if your under 40. Really think if you aren t specific with target the mention of being 40 turns off the younger group). Conference is Prepared to Light the Way.Next Generation Disciples will take place this July. Will have great speakers, awesome topic for minimum registration. Be on the look out for more information on how to register.