Suffering for Christ

Ben Foust

Acts 5:17-42

The early church in Jerusalem continues to face challenges, this time persecution from religious authorities, including flogging and imprisonment. Yet, as the apostles persevere, the church continues to grow as God provides for them. So we too should have a mind to persevere as we face suffering in our ministry for Christ, or else risk accomplishing little.

The Anonymous Servant

Mike Sullivan

Leviticus 16:14-15

Isaiah gives many prophesies about the Messiah who is to come. In his predictions about the anonymous servant, he reveals both a great ruler and one who endures great suffering. Common objections to Isaiah's prophesies are reviewed and refuted.

God's Message of Comfort

Mike Sullivan

1 Peter 5:6-7

When our circumstances are painful and God feels far away, how can we feel comforted? God keeps his promises, which are different from our expectations. God sustains us through his presence, other people and the hope of eternal life.

Ahaz and Hezekiah: Fear and Faith

Mike Sullivan

2 Kings 16:7

What can we do when we're facing difficult or scary circumstances? Two kings of Israel, Ahaz and Hezekiah, both faced threats to their kingdom and reacted very differently. One made an alliance with an enemy, the other took his fears to God.

Discipline with Grace

Bev DeLashmutt

2 Kings 16:7

The goal of biblical discipline when raising children is instruction that trains the child to reach his or her full development. Our children will not fully develop without discipline. Unfortunately, discipline often involves some form of pain. Pain itself is not the problem; the problem is pain without hope. We should not shy away from discipline because we have hope it will produce proven character. Children do not feel loved if not disciplined. The goal of discipline is to teach our children to be obedient, God-dependent, grateful givers.

3 Responses to Jesus

Ryan Lowery

Romans 5:8-10

There were many expectations that people had for who Jesus should be. Jesus preached that the solution to a broken relationship with God is not a behavior change but a transformed heart: this polarized the crowds listening to his teachings. When we are desperate, we turn to prayer as a last resort. We can try to bargain with God to get what we want. The Pharisees were indignant that Jesus was not meeting their expectations. Jesus taught that spiritual matters are far more important than the physical: they will last into eternity. \r\n

Fighting the Good Fight

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Timothy 4:7

In Paul's letters to Timothy, God reveals the keys to fulfilling His purposes in your life; following God with your whole life is like a race or a fight. It won't be easy and you have to continue to remember it can only be done with God as your trainer. There are four keys laid out in these letters: 1) heed the gifting and calling that God gave you; 2) keep a good conscience; 3) cultivate an eternal perspective; and 4) learn endurance from the trials in your life.

Hope Amidst Hardship: The Life of Joseph

Conrad Hilario

Genesis 37:3-45:11

Joseph lived a life a great suffering. He was sold into slavery by his family, was jailed and displaced from his home. This story is about how God can take even the most difficult of circumstances and redeem it for the good.

Two Ways to Respond to Suffering

Scott Risley

Genesis 34:1-41:46

Joseph was Jacob's favorite son. This caused great envy from Joseph's other brothers. His brothers decided to take matters into their own hands and sold Joseph into slavery. We see different ways to respond to suffering illustrated.