The Relationship Between Joy and Pain

Ajith Fernando

James 1:2-3

Many people settle for what is less than joy in their lives - success, sexual experiences, comfort, the list continues. But Christians can experience true joy because of our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is an extreme comfort and joy to know that we are immensely loved by our Creator, and it is that joy that helps us in our pain. In our sufferings, we can rejoice because we can trust in God's faithfulness to us and His ability to bring about good. Of course, that is easier said than done, and it requires that we both surrender to and embrace God.

Suffering and Joy: Challenges and Opportunities

Jim Leffel

1 Peter 1:3

Suffering is an inevitable part of life, but how we suffer matters. Suffering provides opportunity for personal transformation and exposes our actual beliefs and the extent to which we're convinced of them. As Christians, we can suffer victoriously because of the hope that we have through the resurrection of Christ.

Spiritual Power in Collision

Dennis McCallum

Acts 3:1-4:31

Peter and John heal a lame man, giving Peter an opportunity to speak to the crowds concerning God's plan of salvation, revealed through the Old Testament prophets and culminating with the revelation and message of Jesus Christ and the eternal life he offers to everyone. As a result, Peter and John encounter persecution from the Saducees as they have to defend this miraculous healing through the power of the Holy Spirit. This miracle was used by God to authenticate Jesus, along with the use of fulfilled prophecy. In light of the persecution of Peter and John, we should view persecution for the sake of Christ as good and worth pleasing God for, as we rely on the boldness from the Holy Spirit to be spokespeople for God.

The Rich and the Poor

Dennis McCallum

Proverbs 14:21

There is a vast inequality between the poor and wealthy in the world today. Looking at other countries it's easy to see how we in the United States live in a state of surplus and luxury. God calls on us to support and care for the poor of the world. How often do we simply give out change and think nothing of it a moment later? Jesus calls us to care for those in real need and to give sacrificially so our heart can shift from supplying our needs to the needs of others. \r\n

Enduring Suffering for God's Purposes

Ryan Lowery

2 Timothy 2:7-14

Suffering is an unavoidable part of the human experience, and we are guaranteed to suffer, whether or not we choose to follow God. However, when we choose to follow God, we are given the opportunity to suffer in a meaningful way; to suffer for a purpose. At the time that Paul was writing to Timothy, he was experiencing severe suffering, and yet we see that he was able to have an attitude of faith. The steps he gives for enduring suffering successfully include: 1) remember Christ, 2) remember the cause you suffer for, and 3) remember God's faithfulness.

Joy in the Midst of Suffering

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Peter 1:1-9

Peter provides 2 insights about having joy during times of suffering. First, God will grant us a glorious inheritance in heaven as his adopted children. Second, God, like a goldsmith, is refining our faith through our sufferings.\r\n

Temptation

Dennis McCallum

James 1:13-15

James warns on the temptations of the world and how we view them over God. Legitimate desires become lust when we look to them for meaning and happiness rather than God. When we view desires as solutions to our problems they become lusts and displace God. We have the option to admit our problems without blame-shifting, and to cling to God's Truth.

Getting Ready to Give

Dennis McCallum

James 1:1-8

Are we willing to turn to God to seek wisdom in the midst of suffering? James talks about perseverance through trials and, with wisdom from God, to consider trials an opportunity for joy. We can turn to God who will give us the strength to make it through trials and shape us in our broken state to be used in His plans. God is going to provide for us if we are sold out for Him in our hearts and minds. When we are provided for through Him we are able to become grateful and able to give out to others who are also going through trials.

1 Kings: Coming Down from Mt. Carmel

Scott Risley

1 Kings 19

King Ahab's wife, Jezebel, is furious that Elijah executed Baal's prophets. She sends Elijah a death threat, so he flees, begging God to end his life of suffering and fear. Instead, God sends a raven with food and Elijah travels to Mount Sinai. The Lord pulls Elijah out of his spiritual depression by offering him rest, listening to his complaints, renewing his perspective, and continuing his mission.