In week five of the “Brought Back to Life” series, Justin Harrell explores how real transformation often begins by confronting the hidden places in our lives we would rather keep covered. Through the story of Lazarus, this message reminds us that Jesus is not afraid of the mess, the smell, or the shame of our past, but instead calls us into freedom, healing, and new life. God’s transforming work requires surrender, repentance, and death to our old self so we can fully live in the new identity Christ has given us.

In this Back to Life – The Story of Lazarus sermon series, we explore Jesus’ call in John 11:43, “Lazarus, come out,” as a powerful reminder that God’s love calls us out of death, doubt, and shame into new life. While many believe in God’s love for others, this message challenges listeners to personally receive His agape love—unconditional, sacrificial, and not based on our worthiness. Ultimately, nothing can separate us from this love, which doesn’t just meet us where we are but transforms us into who we were created to be.

In this episode, we step into John 11:17 and explore what it means to be “in the tomb”—those dark, hidden, and often painful places in our lives where hope feels buried. Whether it’s grief, disappointment, unanswered questions, or lingering shame, these tombs can leave us feeling stuck and overwhelmed, yet they are not beyond the reach of Jesus.

Through Scripture and reflection, we see that God doesn’t waste these places. Instead, He uses them to transform us—strengthening our faith and teaching us deeper dependence on Him—and to reveal His nature as a faithful Deliverer. What feels like an ending or a place of death may actually be where God is preparing to show His power, reminding us that even in the tomb, He is still at work.