"Suffering Saints" Sermon

Church e-mail sent July 3, 2024

Hello New Life!

Greetings and thank you for your attention to last Sunday's sermon, "Suffering Saints" taken from 1 Peter 4:12-19. Here is the outline:

"Suffering Saints"

 Expect Trials v12, James 1:2-3

Rejoice in Trials v13, 1 Thessalonians 5:16

 Blessed in Trials v14, Matthew 5:11-12

Keep Trials Holy v15, 1 Peter 1:15

 No Shame in Trials v16, Romans 1:16

Trials Judge Us v17, Hebrews12:7

Keep Trusting v19, Hebrews 11:6

In light of the application of these verses in our lives, please keep the following in mind:

1. Be thankful we live in the free world where expression of faith is protected by law.

2. Keep the "persecuted church" of today in your prayers.

3. Christians have a distinct responsibility to protect and stand up for their families and loved ones.

4. The attitude, disposition, and condition of the heart in doing so helps us judge our own Christian character and position in Christ.

5. We must keep trusting the Lord through our trials.

In reference to my statement on Sunday regarding an incident at our former place of ministry, the idea of defending my family was actually commendable and necessary. I was referring to the condition of my heart in that instance. My "judgement" was that the sentiment was correct but my heart was wounded. Rebuke, correction, and defense must be firm but also graceful. Christian maturity helps in these instances.

Please feel free to dialogue with me regarding this subject if necessary. Above all, stay close to the Lord!

All For Jesus!

Pastor Rick

"Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, 

a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, 

accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth." 

2 Timothy 2:15