Sermon Notes: Dry as a Bone

Sermon Title: Dry as a Bone
Speaker: Pr. Jeff Kern
Date: 6/22/2024

Scripture Reading

Ezekiel 37:1–3 (NKJV)

“The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ So I answered, ‘O Lord God, You know.’”

Key Points

I. They Are Dry as a Bone

• Illustration: Experience in Angola in 1995 with ADRA, witnessing the aftermath of war and encountering human skeletons.
• Dry Places on Earth:
• Atacama Desert, Chile: No rain from 1570 to 1971.
• Sahara Desert, Sudan: Frequent Haboob storms blocking sunlight.
• Ezekiel’s Vision:
• Valley filled with dry bones, symbolizing long-dead, hopeless situations.
• The Lord commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, promising revival and life.

II. Can These Bones Live?

• Ezekiel’s Response: Acknowledges the power of God to revive.
• Holy Spirit’s Role:
• The Spirit of the Lord brings life to the dry bones.
• Similar to Genesis 2:7, where God breathes life into Adam.
• Modern Application:
• Churches and believers may appear alive but lack true spiritual vitality.
• The need for the Holy Spirit to bring true life and power.

III. Hear the Word of the Lord!

• Resurrection Power:
• The resurrection of Jesus provides the power for new life.
• Assurance of our own resurrection and spiritual renewal.
• Message for Today:
• Receive the Spirit and the power to serve effectively.
• Embrace the new life promised through God’s Spirit.

Reflection and Discussion

Our Message:

• What parallels can you draw between Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones and our current spiritual state?
• How does understanding the historical and biblical context of Ezekiel 37 enhance our interpretation of its message?

Our Conduct:

• In what ways can we ensure that our church not only appears alive but is filled with the Holy Spirit?
• How can we practically seek and invite the Holy Spirit into our daily lives and church community?

Practical Application:

• What steps can we take to move from a state of spiritual dryness to vibrant spiritual life?
• How can we use the power of the Holy Spirit to impact our community and bring revival?

Personal Commitment:

• What personal areas of your life feel like “dry bones” and need the breath of life from God?
• How can you commit to daily seeking the Holy Spirit to revitalize these areas?

Prayer Points

• Revival: Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit to revive spiritually dry areas in our lives and church.
• Empowerment: Ask God for the power to transform our appearances of life into true spiritual vitality and true service.
• Renewal: Seek God’s presence to breathe new life into our personal walk with Him, ensuring we are truly alive in Christ.