George Whitefield
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 grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose…
Read the full text“my cousin came from Bethany saying that this man called Lazarus from out of the grave”
A Holy Week night of worship that dramatizes "voices from the crowd"—firsthand testimonies of people healed, restored, and seen by Jesus—calling worshippers to praise, repentance, prayer, and an invitation to receive salvation and join the church community ahead of Resurrection Sunday.
“"Lazarus, come forth" — Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.”
Using Mark 2:1–12 (the paralytic lowered through the roof) the speaker argues that desperate times demand radical, action-oriented faith: believers must take risks to bring others to Jesus, prioritize spiritual healing over merely physical cures, and trust God’s sovereignty even in suffering.
“"Lazarus, come forth" and the dead man came out, and Jesus said, "unbind him and let him go."”
Pastor Steve Wilburn's Palm Sunday message "His Plan" (John 11–12) explains how Jesus intentionally delays, demonstrates costly devotion, and receives public praise as part of God's redemptive purpose. Using Lazarus' resurrection, Mary's costly anointing, and the triumphal entry, he shows that God's timing displays glory, true worship costs, and public acclaim can be fleeting. The sermon issues a call to repentance, invites attenders to Good Friday and Easter services, and offers new-believer resources.
“Lazarus, get up, get out of the darkness, and get moving (paraphrase of Jesus calling Lazarus out of the tomb).”
Phil Dooley's Resurrection Sunday message teaches that believers are 'resurrection people'—called to allow Jesus to roll away the stones covering the dark, dead places in our lives so his light can bring standing up and recovery. Using the story of Lazarus, he draws four practical insights: see God's bigger purpose, expect both hope and controversy, pursue deep relationships, and keep moving forward. The sermon concludes with an invitation to respond, a reading of Psalm 23, and an offer of a New Testament.
