The price of being a Christian can be very high in a hostile environment. That apparently was the case in Smyrna. Through persecution they had been purified and had come to a serious kind of Christianity. Through persecution they had been deprived, but in their poverty, they had become spiritually rich Revelation 2:1-11 “To the…
Essentially this message looks at the inevitable, but a positive place of suffering in our lives. We are to treat it seriously and find God’s strength through it, knowing that God uses it to show His love and that it will bear positive fruit in our lives. Hebrews 12:5 5 And have you forgotten the…
This message begins by calling us to Remember, firstly Jesus Christ, then those who are suffering for the Gospel. Paul then calls us to remember the elect, who are the focus of our ministry and finally to remember the security of our position in Christ. 2 Timothy 2:8-13 English Standard Version (ESV) 8 Remember Jesus…
In this message Paul spells out that suffering is part and parcel of the Christian life. Successful life always produces demands, therefore Christians are to think carefully about the challenges of life knowing that God uses all for our good and His glory. 2 Timothy 2:3-7 English Standard Version (ESV) 3 Share in suffering as…
What do you do when suffering strikes? Job lost everything, and yet in the depths of his distress he praises the power and providence of His sovereign God. A shining example to every believer and a picture of the ultimate Suffering Servant. Job 1 English Standard Version (ESV) Job’s Character and Wealth 1 There was…
As we face the many difficulties of life, we know that God is always in control and He will provide comfort and peace through the difficulties so that He may be glorified. Nebuchadnezzar’s Golden Image 3 King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits[a] and its breadth six cubits. He set…