Red Letters: The Answer -Pastor Josiah Elias

This message centered on Jesus as Emanuel—“God with us”—reminding us that He will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), a truth echoed through worship that lifted our hearts to the Lord. Though we may find ourselves in seasons of spiritual battle, Scripture assures us that victory belongs to the Lord (Proverbs 21:31), calling us to rest in Him rather than strive. Pastor Josiah walked us through John 11 and the story of Lazarus, highlighting faith beyond deadlines, when human hope seems exhausted but God still has the final word. Through Martha and Mary, we saw both active faith and abiding faith, culminating in Jesus’ powerful declaration, “I am the resurrection and the life,” one of His five “I Am” statements that demand not only belief but lived trust every day of the week. Even in grief and confusion, Mary ran to Jesus, and Jesus met her pain with compassion—“Jesus wept”—revealing a Savior who understands our suffering and remains faithful. As the stone was rolled away despite objections and decay, we were reminded that revival and growth may come with discomfort, yet thanksgiving prepares the way for miracles. Jesus’ command, “Lazarus, come out,” demonstrated that He is the Answer who calls life out of death and restoration out of despair. The paramount point remains: don’t get lost in the questions when you can be found in the Answer—Jesus, who loves us, restores us, sits with us in our pain, and is more than enough in every circumstance.