25 Woods Lake Road, Building 8, Greenville, SC
How do we face moments of suffering when we know that we simply do not have the strength or the wisdom to make it through? We must recognize that Christ has already provided everything we need for those moments, and it is by His power and righteousness that we can face whatever trials may come our way. Are you facing life’s difficulties in His strength or in yours?
No one likes to suffer. We don’t even like minor inconveniences. But the Bible makes it clear that suffering is part of God’s plan for the Christian life. So the real question is, how will you respond to suffering when it does come? Peter gives us a blueprint to follow and shows us that there are actually some surprising benefits that can come from our moments of suffering.
There is, in all our hearts, a rebellion against authority. We see it in everyone, from the infant who screams when she doesn’t get her way, to the old man who still cheats on his taxes. We don’t like anyone ruling over us, but we were created to live within the boundaries of God’s authority. Is there still rebellion in your heart; areas where you are determined to go your own way? Surrender those to God, find joy under His authority, and you will finally discover true freedom!
The most powerful argument for the truth of Christianity is not the argument of theology. It is the argument of a transformed life. God has given us the privilege of being His representatives to the world around us. Are people drawn to the beauty of the Gospel by the way we live our lives each day? Do they want to know Him because of what they see in us?
Why did God save us and then leave us here? Is it just to sit through boring church services every Sunday; give part of our hard-earned paycheck away; obey a long list of religious rules, and be forced to serve in the children’s ministry? Well, if that’s your view of the Christian life, we’ve got good news for you! God has a much more noble purpose for your life than that, and you’ll discover it in today’s message.
It has been said that everyone ages, but not everyone matures; everyone grows older, but not everyone grows up. The same is true spiritually. But God’s desire is for us to grow up spiritually; to mature in our walk with Him. Are you pursuing God with an intentional, passionate hunger that will feed you spiritually and cause you to grow and mature in your faith?
“I love you.” Those three words are spoken millions of times every day, but we all know that it is much easier to say those words than it is to actually live them out. Yet the Bible calls us to extend ourselves in love to others the way Christ extended Himself in love to us. He poured Himself out, holding nothing back. That seems like an awful lot to ask! Is that even possible, and if so how are we supposed do it?
Our salvation is worth far more than silver and gold. In fact, all the riches in the world would never be enough to buy it. So how can we possibly repay the One who came and died in our place to save us? There is one way. We can live for Him. So, are we living our lives in a way that reflects our gratitude to the One who gave His life for us?
How much do you value your salvation? Did you know that your salvation is so glorious and so wonderful that the Old Testament prophets spent their lives trying to understand it all, and even angels long to know more about it! How would we live differently if we truly understood what our salvation was worth?
Let’s face it, life can sometimes be very hard. Suffering and pain can leave us wondering whether God really cares about us at all. Surely if He loved us, He would never let this happen! So how do we navigate our way through trials? How do we make sense of suffering? Today’s message provides some truths that will be anchors for you the next time the storms of life blow your way.
Have you ever flown standby? You’re always left wondering if you’re going to get a seat on the flight or not, and it can make you feel anxious and uncertain. Sadly, this is how many Christians see their relationship with Jesus. They live every day in constant fear, wondering if they’ve lost their salvation. If that describes you, listen to this message and discover what the Bible says about your eternal security.
Although we may know the truth, suffering and trials can sometimes give us a kind of spiritual amnesia and cause us to turn inward and become self-focused. In those times, we need to be reminded that God has not abandoned us, and that there is still a bigger mission beyond our present circumstances. If you are in a place like that right now, this message will bring clear direction and renewed hope to you!
