In this message, John and I share our testimony of God’s healing and redemption. Redemption is not about just getting what we want, but allowing God to heal us and then refusing to limit God’s plan for our life by anything in our past. The redemptive work that God can do in the life of a believer is a powerful display of his glory.
A Broken World - A Heavenly Kingdom
Jesus came to earth during the darkest moment in human history. He said, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Jesus came to divide us from this evil world, not to make us comfortable here. He is the Prince of Peace, but this peace is with God. In the midst of a troubled world, this audio message calls the church to arise in righteousness and holiness to transform the landscape of a nation from the inside out.
God Is Faithful
The Lord wants to remind us that He is faithful. Psalm 37 has been a very powerful word for me in this season, as it speaks to the faithfulness of God. It says, “Do not worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper…”
Hope in Crisis
Many people are looking for answers right now. Some are asking short-sighted questions as to how to get through this current crisis, and others are asking questions about life in general. Christians and non-Christians are asking these questions. In times like this, we are able to clearly see what we have put our trust in. Have you trusted in something that you now realize is only temporary? Do you feel like you are losing control over your life? Do you feel like the world is out of control? Listen in to this teaching to discover HOPE IN CRISIS!
Grace to Become
As the coronavirus situation began to unfold, I would like to say that faith was my first response, but it was not. Just the threat of shut downs caused a lot of anxiety in me. It was as if I was holding my breath to see what would come next. Each new restriction seemed like more change than I could handle. On top of that, I was feeling so guilty for the fear that was gripping my heart. I desired to be firm in my faith and trust in God during these challenging times, but I didn’t seem to be able to live out that desire.
Redemption for Trials
When we talk about trials, the first Bible story we think of is Job. If we only read the first part of the story, we will think that the book of Job is about a man of suffering and nothing more. But, if we continue, we will find that it is a story that illustrates the evil of the enemy, God’s hand of protection, a man’s struggle with trial, the humbling of a man before God, and a gracious God who redeems above and beyond all that the enemy destroyed.
Possess the Promise Land
For many years, I was scared to go to the beach on the gulf side of Florida. When I was younger, my cousins had traveled there and told me that there were sting rays everywhere! I pictured the water to be brown, not because of pollution, but because of sting rays. Swimming did not sound like a pleasant experience, so I was resolved that going to the beach there would not be much fun.
Why does God allow suffering?
List of verses that are referenced:
Why is there suffering in the world?
- John 10:10
- Romans 8:20-25
- John 16:33
What does the Bible say about suffering?
- Mark 8:31-33
- Isaiah 55:9
- Isaiah 53:4-12
- Luke 24:25-26, 45-47
What can God do with my suffering?
- Hebrews 12:2
- Isaiah 53:10-12
- Romans 8:17-18
- Philippians 3:10-11
- Romans 8:28
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
- Job 42:10
The Way in a Manger
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6 (NIV)
The years prior to Jesus being born were very dark. Isaiah says that people looked for light, but all was darkness. God had been silent for many years, and people were desperate for direction. There was confusion, distress, and yet – hope.
God is With You
"Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" – Matthew 1:23 (NLT)
Jesus is still with us today in the person of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the greatest gift God could give to his children because it is the power of God within us. It is a remarkable promise that God is always with us and we can connect with him anytime and anywhere.
But, what happens when you find yourself asking, “What’s the point of God being with me anyway?”