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A Look at Christian Suffering (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeSuffering holds a significant place in the Christian journey, as it is often a requirement for those who follow the example of Jesus Christ. God has called us to emulate Christ in doing good, and due to the opposition of the world, suffering is an inevitable outcome of righteousness. If we are called by God, we must adopt the attitude of Christ, who endured unjust suffering while always pursuing the Father's will. This mindset prepares us to face suffering rather than retreat for self-preservation, affirming that the Father's will is paramount. Suffering also serves as a means to cease from sin, revealing where God's perfect law of love has been transgressed. It becomes a powerful teaching tool, deepening our understanding of how God desires us to live. Even when suffering seems undeserved or unrelated to our actions, if we commit ourselves to Him who judges righteously, we can trust that He will use it for good. This good may manifest as a deeper identification with our Savior, empathy for others, a test of our trust in Him, or a way to keep us humble and submissive. Approaching suffering with faith ensures that God will strengthen us and bring forth good fruit from our trials. Part of this fruit is an abhorrence of the sin that caused the suffering, indelibly writing God's law on our hearts. Even when adversity threatens to overwhelm us, God remains faithful, not allowing us to be tested beyond what we can bear. He either provides the strength to endure or offers a way of escape. With faith, we can trust in His intervention. Moreover, maintaining a long-range perspective helps us endure suffering, knowing it is temporary. What God has prepared for us in the resurrection far surpasses our current struggles. The reality of God and His promises renews our inner nature day by day, transforming momentary afflictions into an eternal weight of glory as we focus on the unseen and eternal. Thus, all suffering, even when seemingly unjust, serves the purpose of shaping us into glorified members of God's family.
Joy and Trial
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordWhat does the Bible mean when it says we should count it all joy when you fall into various trials? What is this joy we must experience, and how do we come by it?
Trials Are a Gift From God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod is able to allow a setback or a handicap to help us transcend our trials, building sterling character. The weaknesses we live through make us strong.
Are You Worthy of Your Calling?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul encourages the Thessalonians to thank God for their salvation, surrender without complaint, ask God for wisdom, and look for opportunities to serve.
The Christian Fight (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughDespite God's many blessings, real Christianity more resembles a running battle against persistent forces than a leisurely stroll down the path of life.
Faith to Face Our Trials
'Ready Answer' by Pat HigginsLife seems to be one trial after another. However, God has revealed an astounding facet of God's love that should give us the faith to soldier on.
Assurance (Part Two): Of the Path to Glory
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe can be assured that we are God's heirs and offspring if we are led by the spirit, remaining on the sanctified path of fellowship, growing continually.
The Unleavened Bread of Perfection
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaKeeping the leaven out is very important in its own right. However, our primary focus should not be on the leavened bread but on the unleavened bread.
Facing Times of Stress: Grieved by Various Trials
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFaith from God will be required to endure and profit from trials, bringing about character and genuineness of faith, as well as patience and trust in God.
Answered Prayer Through Faith
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFor prayer to be successful, our petitions must be specific and synchronized to God's will, but we must patiently and humbly accept God's timetable.
Make Sure of Your Focus (1998)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur focus should be to seek God's kingdom, reciprocating God's love, committing ourselves to a life of service, fulfilling His purpose without complaining.
In The Likeness of Men!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus was subjected to the same experiences as the rest of us, having the appearance, experiences, the capability of receiving injury and suffering temptation.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMany professing Christians have rejected major tenets of the Bible, fashioning their own religions, giving themselves license to sin in selected areas.
God Gives Grace to the Humble
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGenuine humility is one of the most elusive characteristics a person can attain. It consists of of self-respect accompanied by a genuine desire to serve.
Hebrews (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughWe must emulate Christ, who learned through suffering, preparing Himself for His role as High Priest. Giving in alienates us from the fellowship with God.
Hebrews (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus blazed a trail, giving a pattern for qualifying (through suffering and resisting sin) for our responsibility as priests, reconnecting man and God.
Matthew 5:13: 'What is the Salt of the Earth?'
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowers of Christ are encouraged to serve as the spice of godliness in a fallen world by preserving, enhancing, sacrificing, witnessing, and blessing.