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Defining Trials
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidIn our Christian calling, the trials and tests we endure hold profound significance, shaping who we are before God. These trials are not merely obstacles, but essential elements designed to produce something valuable within us, yielding good results. The testing of our faith is of tremendous worth, far surpassing the testing of gold, for while gold may perish, pure and genuine faith endures eternally, which is what God seeks in us. God must have a definitive answer concerning each of us individually: Now I know you will obey Me; Now I know that you fear Me; Now I know you. This personal affirmation, as seen with Abraham, is required for every one of us. Our acceptance into God's Kingdom is not based on group affiliation, but on our individual performance through the trials we face in this calling. The proving of our faith through trials is the key to all that God has in store for us. These tests define our faithfulness to Him, revealing whether our faith is solid and unwavering. Patterns throughout history show that God always tests His people, and we must be wise enough to recognize that these trials are for our good. How we respond to them shapes our character before God. Trials come as a necessary part of following Jesus Christ, requiring us to deny ourselves and bear our cross daily. This means enduring whatever is difficult or trying in obedience to God, surrendering our own desires and will to do what is right. As seen in the lives of faithful individuals like Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel, their defining trials not only confirmed God's knowledge of them but also bore powerful witness to others of God's supreme authority. God is intimately aware of every trial we face and ensures that we are not tested beyond our limits, providing a way to endure. These afflictions are designed to correct our faults, strengthen our faith, and prepare us to rule in the Kingdom of God. As a loving Father, God corrects us for our own good, perfecting us through discipline and fatherly care. We are urged to bear up under trials with courage, knowing that victory is near and that God desires to help us in every way. Daily trials of overcoming and striving for perfection lie ahead, compounded by end-time events that will further test us. Yet, God promises to be with us in every test, helping us grow and benefit, whether through learning valuable lessons, strengthening faith, or discontinuing harmful habits. Perseverance in facing trials develops maturity of character and the balance needed for the life to which we are called. To those who love Him and value His way, God promises the crown of life, encouraging us to stand fast, for through these tests, we are fully known by Him and trained for His purpose.
Trials Are a Gift From God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerTrials are an inevitable part of life, often presenting themselves as severe challenges in day-to-day living that test our resolve and faith. They are not merely obstacles but gifts from God, designed to awaken dormant powers and aptitudes within us, focusing our energies in ways that might otherwise remain untapped. Just as physical disabilities or chronic afflictions can seem to impede accomplishment, they serve a greater purpose, fostering humility and a constant dependency on God for strength to persevere. In enduring these trials, we find real strength, recognizing them as paths to growth and as symbols of victory over difficulty. These challenges, whether lasting a lifetime or momentary, are not unto death but for the glory of God, opening our minds to possibilities never imagined without them. They are opportunities to see beyond limited circumstances, to perceive God's hand at work, and to understand that even in weakness, we are made strong by His grace. Our trials, much like daily manna provided to the Israelites, are tests from God, teaching us to walk in His commandments and to feel the significance of His presence in our lives. Moreover, trials carry a profound obligation to serve others, especially those newly afflicted, by demonstrating that life remains rich and fruitful despite limitations. They are not the end of life but a means through which God saves and transforms us, revealing His power resting upon us. In foresight, we must view our sufferings as distinctions rather than handicaps, as vivid symbols of our victory and legitimate heirship in the Kingdom of God. If we suffer with Christ, we will be glorified with Him, knowing that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Trial by Fire
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTrials are a necessary aspect of God's purpose for those He has called. They are essential for refining and perfecting the heart, as seen in the experiences of Israel in the wilderness and Job during his intense suffering. God uses trials to humble and prove His people, to reveal what is in their hearts, and to determine whether they will keep His commandments. These tests are not always easy, often catching us unprepared, yet they are vital for our spiritual growth. The entire thrust of Scripture reveals that trials are necessary because it is His will that we endure them. They hold great value, though not always immediately apparent, as they are connected to future rewards in the Kingdom of God. Trials are aspects of God's grace, gifts given to perfect our character for the roles He is preparing us for in His Kingdom. They are not to be seen as punishment but as correction, designed to produce the mind and character of God in us. Even in the midst of painful and mystifying trials, we must recognize that God is aware of every step we take. Whether He has designed or permitted these challenges, they are, in His judgment, good things that He does not withhold from us. The purpose of trials is to refine His image in us, turning us away from destruction and establishing our steps toward His Kingdom. Though we may not see clearly during these times, as we progress closer to the goal, our vision becomes sharper, and we grasp more fully the reality He is leading us toward.
Trials: Much Needed Experiences
Sermon by John O. ReidAs the Passover season nears each year, an awareness of impending trials emerges among us. These trials, often intensifying before the spring holy days, serve as a reminder of the challenges we face. This year, the trials have not diminished after the holy days but have persisted and even grown stronger, prompting questions about God's presence and purpose in our struggles. Throughout history, God's people have endured a continuous series of trials. Individuals called by God have faced one challenge after another, with periods of peace being the exception rather than the norm. Today, we live in a world rife with trials stemming from societal standards and values that diverge from God's laws, resulting in confusion, compromise, and disregard for others, which inevitably produce difficulties. God is fully aware of the challenges in transforming from worldly ways to embodying the new man in Jesus Christ. He employs trials as a vital tool to facilitate this change, testing us to foster growth. Though trials are not relished, the outcomes God achieves through them are ultimately rewarding. God uses trials to reveal what is in our hearts, to humble us, to test and teach us, to correct and encourage us, to build our faith, and to inspire both us and those around us. Trials come in various forms: those we bring upon ourselves through our own actions, teaching us to repent and turn from sin; those arising from the world we inhabit, reflecting common human struggles and societal pressures; and those specifically designed by God for our individual growth, as seen in the experiences of Job and Paul. In each case, God remains in control, setting limits and guiding us through to achieve His desired results. God does not induce sin or evil but allows trials to occur, often using them to draw us closer to Him. When we face trials, we must listen to God, seek to understand His lessons, return to prayer and study, seek wise counsel, and persist in overcoming. These challenges produce fruits such as patience, perseverance, character, hope, humility, obedience, and a deepened trust in God. They refine us, purging out what is not aligned with His teachings and proving the genuineness of our faith. Even as trials intensify, they are preparing us for greater challenges ahead. God is faithful, ensuring that no trial exceeds our capacity to endure with His support. He provides a way of escape, sustains us through adversity, and promises never to leave or forsake us. Through trials, we grow closer to Him, learning to rely on His strength and developing the character needed for His Kingdom.
God Is Preparing Us For the Kingdom
Sermon by Kim MyersToday, the church is experiencing more overwhelming trials than ever before, indicating that God is preparing His people for the end time.
The Plagues of Egypt
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughGod gave the plagues to give Israel confidence to rely on Him, as well as to weaken Egypt, systematically dethroning all the gods of Egypt.
God's Good Work in Us
Sermon by John O. ReidDespite the privileged position of our calling, God does not cut us any slack in terms of trials and tests to perfect us. We must accept God's sovereignty.
Job: Things Left Unsaid
Sermon by David C. GrabbeEven the accuser of the brethren made no accusations against Job, the first of several curious absences—things left unsaid—in the book of Job.
Discouragement and Trumpets
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughWhile there may be reasons to become depressed, there is no reason to stay depressed, realizing that God is with us the whole way.
We Must Learn to Fly
Sermon by John O. ReidIf we are rescued from our tests and trials, we will not be able to perform. We need struggle, tribulation, pressure, and trials to develop patience.
House of Mourning
Sermon by Bill OnisickThe prospect of death makes one more mature and self-aware, illuminating the meaning of Ecclesiastes 7:2-4 that it is better to go to the house of mourning.
Faith Overcomes the World
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs we attempt to overcome the world, we soon realize that we battle against invisible principalities, requiring us to form a close relationship with Christ.
Remembering God's Gifts, Promises, and Rewards
Sermon by John O. ReidDuring these times of intense distress and tribulation, God expects that we use our memories to reflect upon His gifts, promises, and rewards.