The Gospel of John: Come Alive!
In his sermon "Come Alive," Pastor Daniel Courade, youth pastor at Cross Point Church, delivers a timely message about bold, sacrificial faith through the lens of John 11:8-16. He begins by emphasizing the importance of the youth as "the church of today," not merely tomorrow's church, before transitioning to pray for Israel and America during challenging times.
Pastor Daniel then addresses the recent death of Charlie Kirk, describing him not as murdered but martyred for his Christian faith. "Charlie Kirk died a martyr for the gospel of Jesus Christ," he declares, explaining that Kirk's death should serve as a wake-up call for Christians to boldly proclaim their faith. He quotes Revelation 6:9-11 about martyrs' blood reaching heaven's throne, suggesting this event could catalyze revival across America and the world.
The sermon's main text examines Jesus' decision to return to Judea despite the danger, and Thomas's bold declaration: "Let's go to and die with Jesus." Pastor Daniel extracts three powerful principles from this passage. First, he explains that Jesus's delay in going to Lazarus wasn't indifference but divine timing: "God's delay does not mean God's denial." Quoting Charles Spurgeon, he reminds the congregation, "When we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart."
Second, he emphasizes that following Jesus requires total commitment, not comfort. "Thomas understood that it's better to die with Jesus than to live without Him," Pastor Daniel explains, challenging believers to consider whether they're willing to pay the ultimate price for their faith. He warns that "when lukewarm Christianity is normal, Biblical Christianity seems extreme."
Third, he proclaims that hope lives beyond the grave through Jesus's declaration: "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25). Pastor Daniel asserts that "death doesn't get the last word. Jesus does," encouraging believers that Jesus shines brightest in our darkest moments.
Throughout the sermon, Pastor Daniel contrasts "cute" or "lukewarm" Christianity with the bold, sacrificial faith exemplified by Thomas and Charlie Kirk. He challenges the congregation to be "all in" for Jesus, reminding them that "we're not moving for victory, we're moving from victory" because of Christ's resurrection. He concludes with an altar call, inviting people to embrace the resurrection life Jesus offers.
"The days of lukewarm Christianity are done," Pastor Daniel declares, calling believers to stand boldly for truth in a culture that increasingly opposes Christian values, confident that whatever we sacrifice for Christ in this temporary life will be rewarded eternally.