Weekly Sermons

Frustrating Appointments                 I Thess. 3:1-5

Growing faith needs to be __________________________ and encouraged                                                                                V. 1-2, 5 

Paul knew that when the gospel comes to a person, what happens in those first few months of receiving the gospel is ________________

“Good and evil run on parallel tracks and usually arrive at the same time.”            -Ron Dunn

Lest Satan should take advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his devices.               -2 Cor. 2:11

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.         -John 10:10

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food (lust of the flesh), that it was pleasant to the eyes (lust of the eyes), and a tree desirable to make one wise (the pride of life), she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave it to her husband with her, and he ate.      -Gen 3:6

Growing faith faces many ________________________     V. 3-5

Suffering happens to all people in this world, no ________________ 

Christianity does not disagree with the basic principle that you reap what you sow, but it does not stop there. It is the only religion that truly understands how deeply _______ has affected the entire world.

But when you look at the New Testament, you don’t see mature believers ____________________ by their suffering, you see them wanting to suffer for the right reasons. 

People talk about karma like it is a liberating truth: it is not. Karma says you will only get what you deserve to get! But sin is so pervasive that if we get what we deserve, we all will go to Hell; I’m holding on to ___________________________!

 

 

 Suffering in I Peter

Christ’s sufferings led to the glorious redemption of all who will believe             1:11; 3:18; 5:1

Believers should not be surprised by suffering                                                                    4:12

Suffering reveals who the genuine believers are                                                                 1:3-7

Suffering is temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits believers                     1:3-7; 5:10

Believers who suffer for the right reasons will be rewarded by God                                 2:20; 3:14, 17; 4:13, 19

Any unjust suffering believers experience will be avenged by God                                    2:23

Believers should avoid suffering for sinful reasons                                                              4:15

Christ’s godly response amidst His suffering is our example amidst ours                          2:21; 4:1

Suffering is an opportunity to glorify God                                                                            4:17

Suffering is an opportunity to witness for Christ                                                                 3:13-18

Believers aren’t alone in their suffering; other Christians worldwide understand                         5:9