Don't Let The Stink Stop You !

Pastor Adron Wheat

Text: John 11: 33 - 40
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Introduction: There are many obstacles that will come your way if you ever do anything for the Lord. Satan will try everything to discourage and stop you. You have to keep reminding yourself that he is a liar and the father of lies.
Review This Story: The family of Mary, Martha and Lazarus were very dear friends of Jesus. He often stopped by their home when passing through Bethany.
( Luke 10:38 - 42 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered (Distracted) about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. )

(1) This Story Tells Us A Lot About Mary And Martha. (Review the difference)

(A) Martha was probally the best cook and had the cleanest house in Bethany
(B) But Mary had chosen things that really matter, could not be taken from her

(2) Jesus Was Preaching Beyond Jordan, Got News That Lazarus Was Sick

(A) Jesus loved that family, but he stayed two more days where he was (v.5-6
(B) His Disciples warned about the Jews seeking ways to stone him
(C) Nearing Jerusalem, two miles from Bethany, Jesus got news that Lazarus
has been dead four days.
(D) When Martha heard he was coming, she went out to meet him (Frantic) "Lord, if you had been here, he would have not died!" But I know God will do whatever you ask of him not.
(E) Jesus said: " Thy brother shall rise again" Martha said: " I know he will in the last day."

Lots of people only have hope for something "later", someday, but not today !
But Jesus said; " I AM the resurrection, if you believe on me, never die ! TODAY!

(3) Mary Sat At Home Weeping. ( "Professional" weepers came to help her !)

(A) If you got troubles, you need to get away from the "weepers", Find Jesus !
(B) Mary finally came to where Jesus was. Things began to "change", "move"!
(C) On the way to the tomb, Jesus wept! WHY? Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

He knows the "Rut" you are in ! ( Rut: A grave with both ends knocked out )

(4) Jesus Said: "Take Ye Away The Stone. Martha Said: "But He Will "STINK"!

* Remember: Martha worries about everything, the cleanest, most particular woman in Bethany.
(A) This will be an embarrassment to our family ! HE WILL STINK !
* Jesus said: " If you would just believe, you would see the glory of God" (If You Don't Let The "STINK" Stop You !)

That's how the Devil stops you. You won't remove some "stones" in your life because you are afraid of the "Stink" of sin that's there !"
DON'T LET THE STINK STOP YOU

You would see the Glory of God in your life, but you let the Stink Stop You !
( Look at you neighbor and say: "Don't let the Stink Stop you )

(5) That's How The Devil Stops The Church. (Remove the "stones" causes Stink)

(A) People who criticize, fault find, fuss and complain about those trying to make the church grow. Always stirring up a "Stink".
(B) People "Stinking" up the place with their "love life", personal problems, wanting everyone else to "weep" with them.

At times I need a "Super Size" can of Lysol to keep down all the Stink!

(C) I'll quit if you "change" that. Others say, "I'll quit if you don't!" I'll stop tithing if thats where my money goes! Always a STINK!
(D) Some of you rather stay Dead than face the Stink of a Resurrection !
(E) Some want only those who "look good" and "smell good".
(F) The Poor, Halt, Blind, Drunks, Prostitutes, might embarrass you, Stink !

(6) Jesus Said; If You Would Believe, You would See The Glory Of God !

(A) Doubters, Unbelievers, will never see the Glory of God for Yourself!
(B) Jesus had already assured Martha that He "was" the Resurrection.
(C) What was Martha's worry ? He might Stink ! She had rather he stay "dead" than be embarrassed by any Stink!
(D) There are lots of people that rather stay "dead" Spiritually, because you are afraid of the Stink.

Don't you know that if Jesus gives life again, He can also take care of the Stink !

* John 11:43 - 44 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

When they removed the grave clothes and napkin from his face, what do you think they saw ? A NEW MAN !

Are You Dead In The Trespasses of Sin ?
DON'T LET THE STINK STOP YOU !

 

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