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Why Adversity? (Part One)

CGG Weekly by Gary Montgomery

Adversity and trials are inevitable in our lives as God's people, often following us no matter what we do, sometimes in the form of grievous misfortunes. Enduring hardships can feel overwhelming, especially when they come in quick succession, leaving us struggling to catch our breath. Yet, this struggle is not unique to any one of us; our brethren face similar adverse circumstances. The saints of the Bible, such as Job, Joseph, and David, provide examples of enduring severe trials, from loss and betrayal to constant threats, yet they turned to God for help and were ultimately blessed. As those whom God is shaping into His image, we will encounter difficulty in this life, but we must rely on Him and His Spirit for strength to endure and overcome. Jesus Christ is our Rock, and through Him, we can do all things. Adversity builds endurance, character, and hope in us as God's children, and we must guard against discouragement from the onslaught of afflictions. Our adversary, the devil, seeks our failure, but by drawing close to God, who draws near to us, we develop His righteous character. With precise timing, God creates circumstances and testing to build this character within us, enabling us with experience to help others facing similar struggles.

Why Adversity? (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by Gary Montgomery

Adversities, often called trials, strike everyone from time to time, and they are especially frequent for Christians striving to live godly lives in a world opposed to God. Instead of becoming discouraged, we must allow our afflictions to draw us closer to God and His people, building His righteous character within us. New troubles arise regularly and can overwhelm us, but sharing our experiences with others brings solace and encouragement, knowing we are not alone in our hardships. As Christians, we will continue to face adversity, hardships, and tribulations, but we must trust in what God has revealed and avoid bringing trouble upon ourselves through carnal actions. If we suffer as Christians, we should not be ashamed but glorify God in the matter. With Christ's help, we build endurance through these afflictions, growing spiritually as we rely on God to do what is right and pleasing to Him. We know beforehand that adversity will stretch our ability to endure and overcome, yet these challenges will ultimately create in us the benefits of character, patience, and compassion. As adversities increase in number and difficulty, we must continue seeking God, drawing ever closer to Him, and put into practice the lessons learned from hard times to conquer the trials that confront us now and in the future.

Challenges

CGG Weekly by Gary Montgomery

Life is difficult to navigate. Adversity is a common part of life, yet now, having been called by God, we must work hard to overcome and conquer these challenges.

Why is Life So Hard?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

The rigors God puts us through are not to crush us, but to shape us, transforming us into His image. True gain is walking through the anguish in victory.

How Much Does God Love Us? (Part Two)

'Ready Answer' by Pat Higgins

Christians have difficulty trusting in God's limitless love for His elect. But if they do, it provides a genuine power to overcome life's challenges.

A Look at Christian Suffering (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

It offends our sense of justice to see the wicked prospering while the righteous suffer. We may need to adjust our expectations for leading an easy life.

Why Are We Afflicted?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Affliction is a necessary aspect of life, yielding strength of character, while ease and comfort weaken us. Christ was perfected as High Priest through suffering.

Lamentations (Part One; 1989)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

An introduction to the book of Lamentations, focusing on grim hardships (similar to Paul's perils) Christians may face in the future.

God's Sovereignty and the Church's Condition (Part One)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

How involved in man's affairs is God? Is He merely reactive, or does He actively participate—even cause events and circumstances, particularly in the church?

Why Does God Allow Us to Be Afflicted?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In God's hands, trials and afflictions are tools to produce refined character and joy, and to move us away from worldly choices and back to His purpose.

Trials: Much Needed Experiences

Sermon by John O. Reid

God 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.

The Hand You're Dealt

Sermonette by Hunter D. Swanson

The hand that we are dealt contains the potential for victory, but not if we are not equipped to play it skillfully and wisely.

Day By Day

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

Ecclesiastes teaches us to rejoice when times are good and to reflect soberly when times are bad. Adversity is a tool God uses to create something beautiful.

How God Deals With Conscience (Part Five)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Joseph knew and recognized his brothers before they knew him, even as God knows our guiltiest secret sins that we think we have effectively hidden.

It's Not Fair!

'Prophecy Watch' by Geoff Preston

'Fairness' is a major buzzword in these times. Yet our discontent over perceived mistreatment pales in comparison to what others have endured.

Christian Optimism

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Paul wrote some of his most optimistic letters from prison, under the possibility of execution, but absolutely convinced that ultimate victory was imminent.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Solomon exercised a lifetime of hard work trying to find answers, but fell short because some things are discoverable only through God's revelation.

Facing Times of Stress: When God Is Silent (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Paradoxically, when God seems to be silent, He is feverishly at work micro-managing what otherwise appears as insignificant details.

Finishing Your Gun Lap

Sermon by John O. Reid

The most dangerous lap we encounter is when everyone around us tends to be compromising. Today, what was once aberrant behavior is now considered normal.