Following the Good Shepherd
God’s promise of provision and his track record of care in our lives ought to be ample cause for us to confidently trust him no matter how difficult or painful life might be.
Suffering
Caring About Christ's Reputation
When we are mistreated we must respond strategically not emotionally, being more concerned about Christ?s reputation than the satisfaction of personal revenge.
Empathy for God’s Embattled People
As God’s children we are required to selflessly band together to support, encourage and strengthen one another when any of us are suffering, persecuted or attacked.
Invariable Love in a Changing World
We must be mindful of the permanent & invariable love of Christ so that we live life with a grateful confidence and bold assurance regarding our relationship with God.
Reasons for Confidence No Matter What
If the ultimate danger of facing God’s wrath has been eliminated for us in Christ, then there is no place for fear, worry or anxiety regarding the problems we face in this life.
Looking for the Good When Things Go Bad
Life can be tough sometimes, but we trust in a God who is not ignorant of our suffering. Pastor Mike explores one response when life gets tough.
Praying Through the Pain
Though our prayers are imperfect & limited, we are greatly helped by prayer amid trials & prolonged difficulties because the Holy Spirit actively intercedes for our good.
Discovering the Patience of Christian hope
We must patiently work through the internal frustration inherent in the Christian life knowing that almost all the benefits God promised us are postponed until the next life.
A Biblical Perspective on a Fallen World
While the cosmos is now dying, Christians are called to eagerly anticipate a resurrected planet which will be perfectly sustained by God for our use and our good.
Why Being Heavenly-Minded Does a World of Good
We should not be surprised by all the suffering in the world, instead we should revel in God’s solution to the pain caused by sin and keep looking to our future home.
Taking Hold of a New Perspective on Our Problems
Christians can maintain a positive perspective amid painful circumstances because God deeply loves them and is working to make them more like Christ.
The Theodicy of God
God, who is Almighty, Omniscient and Holy, has utilized the sin and evil propagated by his creatures for his ultimate good through the working of his redemptive plan.
The Enduring Clash with Nativity's Antagonist
When Christ is exalted, promoted or presented we should expect and be prepared for increased opposition and antagonism against us and the truth.
Reconsidering How Hard We’re Willing to Fight
Most Christians could and should do a lot more to fight temptation’s draw and stand up for what is right in our daily lives.
Looking Past the Pain to the Prize
Ambitious faith will likely bring extraordinary suffering, but we can be sure God will compensate it and continue to comfort us by the security we have in Christ.
Trusting God When Hope Seems Lost
We must tenaciously trust in the goodness of God even when he makes us wait for his perfect timing or introduces a divinely designed detour.
Boldly Following God's Path for My Life
Christ has called us to follow him wherever that might lead; we should do so fearlessly, fueled by a focus on our eternal home.
Answering the Remaining Questions in Romans 3:3-8
Sin is bad even though God uses it for good; its effects are so bad that we should do our best to avoid it and never think about rationalizing it away.
Call for Help
We must recognize the immeasurable value of having Christ as our sympathetic and powerful helper to give us what is needed to live a faithful Christian life.
Rethinking Marriage as a Divine Test
Marriage is not easy being made up of two fallen and sinful individuals, but God is ready to assist us in utilizing the difficulties of marriage as catalysts of spiritual growth.
Avoiding the High Costs of Selfishness
We must learn to decipher whether a painful experience is God’s discipline, if so, let’s quickly respond and be thankful for God’s loving correction.
The Real Battle
Looking to God, tenaciously fight to resist all mental attacks which threaten your confidence in the power and goodness of God.
Trusting God in a Stinky Field
Because of our relationship with God (and each other) we can wisely & productively navigate any difficult station in life.
Seeing God’s Good Plan in the Painful Seasons of Life
We can face the future with confidence and joy knowing that God`s difficult appointments only confirm our faith, and earn for us a better place in our future home.
Preparing for the Pain
We must count the high cost of helping people pursue Christ and be willing to pay it – for god’s sake and their good.
Connecting With God’s Sustaining Resources
We must cling to God, his word and his people if we are to experience God’s sustaining power amid painful times.
Holding Tight to the Right Perspective
We must work to maintain a biblical mindset that sees the big picture when we encounter painful times.
When Disaster Strikes
In the wake of disaster God’s people must boldly carry a message of repentance to a dying world.
