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.
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.
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!
What is the greatest resource the church has? Is it gifted preachers? Entertaining programs? Abundant finances? Best-selling books? No, it is none of those things. When the early church was facing threats from the powerful Jewish leaders and the mighty Roman empire, they used the only resource they had — prayer, and that one resource alone was more powerful than every tool the church uses today!
The word “Christian” in our day carries with it an assortment of meanings; someone who believes in God, someone who goes to church, musical style, etc… But where did this term actually come from, and what does it even mean? Does it apply to you today?
When difficult or painful circumstances come into your life, do you ever stop to consider that they may have been divinely orchestrated by God to bring about His ultimate purpose in your life? Many Christians see hard times as a sign that God has abandoned them or that He is not being kind to them. But the Bible teaches us that God is at work even in the worst moments of our lives, and if we will surrender them to Him, He will bring about a life of fruitfulness for His glory!
As we trace the spread of the gospel through the book of acts, we learn that as it was preached it would cause two results; salvation for some who heard the message and persecution to those who brought the message. How is it that the Gospel can be considered “good news” if the people who share it are always getting beat up? So when Paul says that he’s not ashamed of the gospel, does he have in mind just the extrinsic fact of it, or the intrinsic effects of it on his own life?
When we read in the Bible that Jesus left heaven and came to earth to save us, do we have any idea just what that really means? The King of glory laid aside His royal robe and wrapped Himself in human flesh. He exchanged His home in heaven to have no place to lay His head on earth. He willingly endured mocking and slander, was abandoned by His closest friends, suffered an excruciating death on a cross, and He did it all for you!
Have you ever known someone who seemed to have it all, and yet it wasn’t enough? On the other hand, have you ever known someone who had very little, and they were bitter and resentful because others had more than they did? But the real question is, how content are you? Once you learn the secret of contentment, God’s power will be alive in you, and your life will be a blessing and an inspiration to others.
A bride on her wedding day would never dream of saying to her new husband, “Thanks for the ring and the lovely ceremony, but I’m leaving now to go live life on my own.” Many people can tell you the time and place they were saved, but they have never had a relationship with Jesus since then. The Bible says if we have truly been saved, our lives will be characterized by an ongoing desire to know Christ more and more. Is that your desire?
Phil Pike, our pastor, has been on medical leave for roughly six months now. Hear him describe the road he is currently walking, and his encouraging inspirational words to all Christians wherever they are in their relationship with the Lord.
