Deafening Trials
We need a wholehearted reliance on all the promises of Christ, knowing that past experiences won’t be enough when trials come to test our faith.
Suffering
God’s Presence and Help When You Hurt
When times get tough Christians need to rely on the unchangeable realities that are guaranteed to us because of the grace provided to us in Christ.
Making Sure We Don’t Miss the King
Difficulties in life can tempt us to doubt Christ’s power, concern and sovereignty, but we must trust him, remembering the proof of his credentials which reassure us of his coming kingdom.
Dealing with Mean & Demanding People
We need to consider the relative unimportance of our pain and loss associated with standing for Christ, and focus instead on the conversion of our opponents.
When You’re Ridiculed for Christ
We must allow the benefits of standing with Christ and his people to overshadow the painful relational consequences that will inevitably come from doing so.
When Life Really Hurts
Though the next life will be characterized by happiness and joy, for now, because of sin in our world and in our lives Christians will have plenty of grief and a lot for which to mourn.
Questions & Answers 2013-Part 2
Pastor Mike answers questions on the Bible, God and Christianity Questions in this service: When do we invite someone to come to a church service when we are evangelizing? In creation, are the 6 days actual days or some kind of extended period of time? Is anointing with oil something Christians should be doing today? …
Sorrow & Profound Celebrations
We will experience a variety of sorrows on earth while we await Christ’s return, but our pain is mitigated by our anticipation, and the many foretastes of the kingdom which God supplies.
Learning from the Perfect Twelve-Year-Old
We must get used to the tension that results from keeping God & his agenda supreme in our lives while attending to this life’s legitimate obligations & responsibilities.
Simeon on the Polarizing Effects of Jesus Christ
We must uncompromisingly and wholeheartedly stand with the Christ of the Bible even when the consequences for doing so are negative, painful or controversial.
Elizabeth: God’s Unexpected Hero
God often prepares us to be useful through various trials which we must preserve with hope and resolve to parlay all he brings our way for the promotion of Christ.
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.
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.