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Raleigh Mennonite Church

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Walking Toward Suffering – March 29, 2020

March 29, 2020

On our third online worship service during the COVID-19 pandemic, Melissa had some technical challenges so presented her message without notes. The scripture was from John 11, the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead.

When Mary and Martha tell Jesus, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died,” Jesus doesn’t attempt to give them a philosophical answer or placate them with false hope. Instead, Jesus weeps.

Suffering is a Nothing. It’s a none reason, a nonsense. It’s not something that we can ever make sense of. The only answer to suffering is love. The only way through it is love.

After getting the full text of her message back during sharing time, Melissa read us the last paragraph of her prepared sermon:

“There is immense suffering ahead of us, still. I do not want to deceive you by offering false hope or platitudes. But I also know this – there is great love ahead, love so immense that it will take your breath away.”

Raleigh Mennonite Church
Raleigh Mennonite Church
Walking Toward Suffering - March 29, 2020
00:00 / 10:00
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Download file | Play in new window | Duration: 10:00 | Recorded on March 29, 2020

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Tagged With: COVID-19, Gospel of John, Lazarus, love, Melissa Florer-Bixler, suffering

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121 Hillsborough St.
Raleigh, NC 27603

Phone: 919-831-2969

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COVID-19 Update

We are worshipping in person at our downtown Raleigh location at Church of the Good Shepherd. While masks are not required, we ask everyone to be considerate of others’ COVID-related boundaries. We are continuing to provide the service via Zoom for those who are not able to join us in person. Please contact us if you'd like the Zoom connection information.

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