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Trial by Fire
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs we journey through life, we encounter fiery trials that test our faith and character, much like the Israelites faced in the wilderness. These trials are not mere obstacles but are integral to God's purpose for us, designed to refine and perfect us. Just as Job endured intense suffering and emerged with a deeper understanding, recognizing that when He has tested him, he shall come forth as gold, we too must see these challenges as opportunities for growth. God is omniscient, fully aware of our struggles, and His watchful presence over us is unwavering, ensuring that we are never abandoned in our difficulties. These fiery trials are not punishments but gifts of His grace, meant to produce valuable outcomes in our lives. They are necessary, as they prepare us for the future and the great reward in the Kingdom of God. Unlike the immediate concerns of the Israelites, we must take the long view, trusting that God is shaping us into His image through every hardship. Even when we feel mystified or pained, as Job did, we must remember that God knows our path, and His purpose supersedes our temporary discomfort. Moreover, we often misunderstand the nature of these trials, tempted to see them as evidence of God's unconcern. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth; they are expressions of His loving providence, testing our temper, passions, patience, faith, and faithfulness. God uses these experiences to reveal where our hopes and hearts are set, ensuring we are prepared for His Kingdom. Though satan may play a role, as seen in Job's story, the initial motivation for our trials comes from God, who is forming and shaping us. In the midst of fiery trials, we must not sit idle but work with the right attitude and energy, knowing that God is there, guiding and providing. Our life is according to His will, and His purpose energizes us to follow Him. Even when we cannot see clearly, as Job could not at first, we must trust that God remembers us, never forgetting His plans for us, which He held before time began. These trials, though painful, are corrections, not punishments, aimed at refining His image in us for the ultimate glory of being in His Kingdom.
Trials: Much Needed Experiences
Sermon by John O. ReidGod uses trials to test our hearts, but He never places a trial before us to tempt us. God uses trials we bring on ourselves to draw us closer to Him.
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.
No Pain, No Gain
Sermonette by Mike FordWhen you're up to your neck in trials, it's easy to forget you are in training to be a member of the God family.
Why Do Bad Things Happen to Christians?
Article by StaffOf all people, one might think, Christians should be the most blessed, yet they often fall under heavy trials. Why does God allow this? What is His purpose?
No Longer Brain Dead
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAs God teaches us spiritual things, He expects us to act less like blockheads and more like adults, making the truth of God the bedrock of our lives.
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.
Spiritual Heat Treatment
Sermonette by Christian D. HunterAfter metal has endured its prescribed heat treatment, it glows brightly. Our job, as God's metaphorical metal, is to endure the trials of heat treatments.
Firstfruits and the Master Potter
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaThe Potter and Clay analogy provides instructions for understanding character-building tests and trials in the life-long sanctification process.
From Pilgrims to Pillars (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasThe intensity of the heat in both the refiner's furnace and the potter's kiln resembles the fiery trials we must endure for the Refiner to remove the dross.
Our Spiritual Wilderness
Sermonette by Ryan McClureTime after time, the children of Israel accused Moses of leading them to their deaths, failing to trust God in spite of His track record of provision.
Faith to Face the Fire
'Ready Answer' by StaffWe sometimes mistake faith for certainty about God's will. However, faith is not knowing what God will do but trusting Him to do what is best for us.
The Path to Magnificence
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe have not been uninformed about the enemy's tactics, nor about our capacity to endure. God will never forsake us, and we should never forsake one another.
Lacking Nothing (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsScarcity seems to redefine the value of everything, including tools, food, or sentimental objects. Utility trumps every other consideration.
The More Things Change
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe tend to think of the early Church as a 'golden age' of unity and momentum. But early church members experienced problems similar to what we face today.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Five): Cultivating Patience
Sermon by David F. MaasNumerous scriptures show the bad effects of impatience committed by ancient Israel, while the patriarchs, Jesus Christ, and the Father set examples of true patience.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon Without Becoming Assimilated (Part Six)
Sermon by David F. MaasWe must embrace failure as a tool for spiritual growth. Trials are essential in shaping character, building faith, and reinforcing dependence on God.