A Severe Mercy Romans 5:1-8 June 25, 2017
|
|
- Gwen Caldwell
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 A Severe Mercy Romans 5:1-8 June 25, 2017 While C.S. Lewis was teaching medieval literature at Oxford University, among the students who fell under his influence was Sheldon Vanauken. Sheldon and his wife, Jean, had a marriage of delicate and unusual beauty. He wrote that being married to Jean was like living in a perpetual springtime. At Oxford, they became committed Christians. Their newfound belief in God deepened and enriched the communion they had as husband and wife. Not long after they returned to America, Jean was stricken with a fatal disease. When she died, Sheldon turned to Lewis for counsel to cope with his sorrow. They corresponded extensively on the meaning of suffering and the will of God. In one of his letters, Lewis wrote, You have been treated with a severe mercy. i Part of what Lewis was saying by describing Sheldon s sorrow as a severe mercy is that life is hard. If you think that life is going to be a perpetual springtime, you are kidding yourself. After the youthful, playful innocence of spring inevitably comes the withering heat of summer, the aging of autumn, and the death of winter. Life is difficult. If we base our happiness on life being kind to us, we will undoubtedly be disappointed and even end up in despair. We tend to think of suffering as an exception to the human condition. The reality is that suffering is the human condition, and it is almost impossible to avoid. There is another aspect to what Lewis is saying when he describes Sheldon s experience as a severe mercy. In the suffering and struggle of life, there can be found a quality of grace that we might not otherwise know. Suffering can be graced with a severe mercy. Mercy is compassion, which means to suffer with. Mercy is found because God suffers with us and because companions on life s journey suffer with us. Out of that shared sorrow, blessings emerge. Experiences of suffering leave us feeling vulnerable, naked, exposed to hurt, pain and unpleasantries. But vulnerability also opens us to receive the care of others and the grace of God. When we feel defenseless, we find ourselves in a thin place, or a threshold experience. We choose how to respond to suffering. We can open ourselves to the touch of Holy Presence or we can turn away from God. If we think that God is indifferent to suffering or even the source of our
2 hardship, we are likely to feel alienated from God. This comes from the perspective that life should be free from pain and suffering. However, when we accept that life is difficult and live with the expectation of hard times, we see God differently. We understand that God s role is not to spare us from suffering nor to relieve it. God s presence enables us to bear and endure suffering and sometimes God brings blessings out of suffering. In this way, even severe suffering can be graced with holy compassion. What s our perspective? Is life meant to be a perpetual springtime? If so, we are likely to be disappointed, project our frustration on God, and turn away from God. Another viewpoint is to recognize that life will have a variety of seasons, including the scorching heat of summer, the aging of autumn, and the bitter cold of winter; however, through it all we can experience the golden thread of God s presence, with a heart of endless compassion and fierce love. Paul is the author of this letter to the Romans. Although one of the greatest missionaries of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul was no stranger to suffering. Paul was imprisoned because he was passionate about spreading his faith in his Lord, Jesus Christ. Paul s evangelism was a problem for the ruling establishment who felt threatened by Jesus. He also suffered from a painful physical condition which he described as a thorn in the flesh. Although he prayed that his suffering would be relieved, it was not. He learned that in his weakness, he could experience God s strength (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). Paul writes in this letter that we take pride in our problems. One translation is we rejoice in our suffering. How could anyone make such a claim to celebrate our troubles? I don t know about you, but when personal troubles come my way I don t tend to rejoice. In fact, I m more likely to complain about the disruption and be frustrated by the attention and energy the trouble demands. Listen again to a few key verses: We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. This hope doesn t put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Paul can celebrate because he is confident that God s love for us and our love for God will give birth to blessings even in the face of suffering. One blessing is endurance or fortitude which provides the strength to hold on, trusting that God is at work to help us overcome the trials of life. Endurance produces character. In New Testament Greek, character is a verb meaning to engrave, to take a hammer and chisel a stone. To character means to sculpt a shapeless stone into a beautiful work of art. God s Spirit helps
3 us sculpt meaning out of the raw materials that life throws at us. Out of the testing we emerge stronger, refined, and closer to God. Finally, character produces hope. Once our faith has been tested in adversity, we don t panic every time something goes wrong because we have learned that we can rely on God s promises. We don t fear the next crisis that looms on the horizon. With hope, we patiently wait for the promise of God to be fulfilled once again. Hope embraces the future with expectation, not with despair. Hope trusts in God. Hope waits upon God. Life has thrown various troubles to members of this community of faith. Health has declined; the biopsy returned positive; relationships crumbled; loved ones slipped through our grasp. In the face of vulnerability, we wonder where God is. Sometimes it is not so clear. Oftentimes it takes years before we can look back and recognize the golden thread of God s presence woven through those painful experiences. The promise of the gospel is a severe mercy, compassion to meet the pain, love mingled with sorrow, God s presence in the seeming absence. My personal heartbreak for several years has been a broken relationship with my developmentally disabled brother. Six years ago, he fell prey to a professional poker player who exploited him financially and emotionally. While under her grasp for five years, she lived in his home, took his money and furniture, and alienated him from any person of integrity who saw the truth of the situation. I ve been to court over a dozen times in the last five years trying to protect him. At times, I nearly gave in to the forces of wickedness that were pulling him away, but I continued to pray and trust that God would hold him and lead him to freedom. The perpetrator finally left the home a year ago, but it took a year for my brother to build enough trust to call and talk to me in March. I finally saw him in person earlier this month. I feel like my brother has returned home. He was tethered to God all along and God s faithful mercy continues to restore him. Sheryl Sandberg is the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook. Two years ago, her husband, Dave, died suddenly while the two were vacationing in Mexico. It was clearly a devastating loss for Sandberg, her two young children, and their family and friends. With psychologist Adam Grant, she has written a book called, Option B. One time when longing for her husband, a friend said, Option A is no longer available. We re going to [knock the socks off] Option B. It is not what she planned, but it is what life dealt. It is a very helpful book about facing adversity, building resilience, and reclaiming joy. We are familiar with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
4 Sandberg and Grant write of the possibility of post-traumatic growth. Studies show that more than half the people who experience a traumatic event report at least one positive change, compared to the less than 15 percent who develop post-traumatic stress. Post-traumatic growth takes various forms. People are personally strengthened. Having been tested through fire, they emerge stronger even at the broken places. That sounds like endurance. People gain appreciation and develop a deeper sense of gratitude for the gifts of life. They find reason to rejoice. Tragedy can motivate people to develop new and deeper relationships. We can find greater meaning in life, a sense of purpose, a belief that our life has significance. People can see new possibilities, offering hope for the future, for even when Option A is no longer available, there is an Option B or C or D or E. ii The apostle Paul must have experienced post-traumatic growth. That is why he could affirm, We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. This hope doesn t put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. That s a declaration of faith that God s love, grace, and compassion will prevail, bringing to birth blessings even out of pain. My experience is that life is difficult. Sometimes life throws us a curve, or even a tragedy. We can choose our response: to turn away from God or to draw near to God. As we invite God to journey with us, we will taste God s severe mercy, a fierce love, a compassionate presence growing within us endurance, character, and hope. May God deepen our faith that we might find God even in the suffering. God of grace and mercy, your heart is larger than our imagination. Within your immense love, you hold each one of us. You call us by name, you recognize our true identity, and you ache when we are in pain. Your heart has also been broken by our fear, betrayal, and harmful acts. And yet you never give up on us. You are graceful in forgiving and compassionate in raising us to new life. We are deeply grateful, O Caring Companion, for your steadfast saving work in our lives. Look down and watch over us in the midst of our personal crises. Walk with us through the fire and keep us from being burned. When the waves threaten to overwhelm us, lift us high and carry us to a firm foundation where we may embrace your care.
5 Stretch your loving arms of mercy around this wide world, extending your care wherever there is need and heartache, sorrow and suffering. Bring hope to those recovering from disaster or violence. Liberate those who live under oppressive conditions. Move your church to be the hands and feet of Christ reaching beyond itself to meet the needs of your people in Christ s name. Hold close to your heart those whom we know and name before you.offer your tender mercy to those who grieve. Massage their aching wounds with your comfort. We give you thanks for your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Through his death and resurrection, we have access to your abounding grace. Grow us in the likeness of Christ that your image might shine through us. We unite our voices in the prayer he taught his disciples, together praying i Sheldon Vanauken, A Severe Mercy (New York: Bantam Books, 1977), p ii Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant, Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2017), pp Rev. Lori B. Sawdon First United Methodist Church, Lodi, CA
We live in a world of debilitating disease; what appears random accident, trial, abuse, death.
Introduction One of the reoccurring themes in Paul s second letter to the Corinthians is suffering. Why must the righteous suffer? Paul will offer several possible explanations; that we might comfort others
More informationExult in Tribulations
Exult in Tribulations Romans 5:3-5 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which
More informationThe Builder Matthew 16:13-20 September 25, 2005
The Builder Matthew 16:13-20 September 25, 2005 Today s sermon title comes from novelist, poet and professor Reynolds Price, who has a lifelong love affair with Jesus but not much time for church. In a
More informationWHERE IS GOD IN OUR PAIN AND SUFFERING?
WHERE IS GOD IN OUR PAIN AND SUFFERING? This study is written by Marilyn Hurst, Apologetics Course Facilitator / Foundations Team leader. Leaders: PLEASE SEND OUT THE PARTICIPANTS MATERIAL FOR YOUR GROUP
More informationGrow Through What You Go Through Romans Pastor Douglas Scalise, Brewster Baptist Church
1 3.5.17 Grow Through What You Go Through Romans 5.1-11 Pastor Douglas Scalise, Brewster Baptist Church As we continue to focus on a different book of the Bible each month, in March we turn to The Letter
More informationTHE GIFT OF GRACE SESSION 3. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. God s grace allows me to face anything life throws at me.
SESSION 3 THE GIFT OF GRACE The Point God s grace allows me to face anything life throws at me. The Passage 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 The Bible Meets Life Can we have too much of a good thing? The answer is
More informationEnjoying God s Comfort Believers find comfort in knowing that others benefit from and God is honored through their trials.
Session 9 Enjoying God s Comfort Believers find comfort in knowing that others benefit from and God is honored through their trials. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-14 Consider the different ways we use the phrase comfort
More informationRESILIENCE AFTER LOSS YIZKOR 5779 Rabbi Michael Pont Marlboro Jewish Center
RESILIENCE AFTER LOSS YIZKOR 5779 Rabbi Michael Pont Marlboro Jewish Center 1. Good Yontiv. On Rosh Hashanah we talked about resilience, and today we will pick up that theme, but specifically after the
More informationPrayers for the overwhelmed
P R A Y E R G U I D E Prayers for the overwhelmed Prayer Guide: Prayers for the Overwhelmed Copyright 2011, PrayerPower, Dallas, Texas prayer guide Prayers for the overwhelmed PrayerPower P.O. Box 801368,
More informationArmed Forces Devotional Book. Daily Prayer
Armed Forces Devotional Book Concordia Publishing House St. Louis, Missouri For the Armed Forces of Our Nation O Lord God of hosts, stretch forth Your almighty arm to strengthen and protect those who serve
More informationOn Thursday night Donald Trump offered a remedy. He promised to solve all our problems and make America safe and strong and prosperous again.
CLOSING COUNSEL AND BLESSINGS. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church, Lynden, WA July 24, 2016, 10:30AM Text for the Sermon: I Peter 5:10-14 Prayer: Introduction. This past week was the
More informationPersevering Through Trials
Persevering Through Trials Charles F. Stanley - In Touch Ministries Seasons of prayer 01 A fork in the path There is one thing we are all guaranteed in this life: trouble. It may creep up on us slowly,
More informationWhy do Bad Things happen to Good People?
Why do Bad Things happen to Good People? Habakkuk 1:2-3 O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! Why dost thou shew me iniquity,
More informationResurrection Imagination Luke 24:13-35 April 3, 2016
Resurrection Imagination Luke 24:13-35 April 3, 2016 A five year old took his first airplane flight to visit his grandparents. Shortly after takeoff the plane was in the clouds. With great anticipation
More informationTrial Use Collects, Prayers over the Gifts and after Communion. Propers 10 to 22 June to August 2015 Year B
Trial Use Collects, Prayers over the Gifts and after Communion Propers 10 to 22 June to August 2015 Year B The following Collects are alternatives to the Collects in The Book of Alternative Services and,
More informationOur Anxious Thoughts
Our Anxious Thoughts Charles F. Stanley - In Touch Ministries Seasons of prayer 01 WALKING ON THE WATERS OF FAITH Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water, said Peter (Matt. 14:28). Jesus
More informationby Holly Wagner STUDY GUIDE Riverside Drive Suite 200, Valley, Village, CA telephone:
T H O U G H T S O N A M I S H G R A C E by Holly Wagner STUDY GUIDE 12800 Riverside Drive Suite 200, Valley, Village, CA 91607 telephone: 877.526.2747 www.godchicks.com Thoughts for GodChicks From the
More information2012 Live Sunday Sermon Title: Our Relenting God Jonah 3:1-10 Rev. Dr. James I. Lamb, executive director, Lutherans For Life
Can an entire city be forgiven? What about a nation? Sin, repentance, forgiveness these are not trivial issues for the Christian. We must understand and deal with these matters, but we do so from the perspective
More informationJohn the Baptist cried out and made ready for the Lord. Who will promote the gospel in our community? (Luke 3:1-6)
YEAR C 2018/2019 December 2, 2018: 1st Sunday of Advent Be on the watch! Allow God to lead you in the ways of truth and justice. How is God calling you to serve? (Jeremiah 33:14-16) December 9, 2018: 2nd
More informationThe Way of the Cross Through the Voice of Victims Supporting Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse
The Way of the Cross Through the Voice of Victims Supporting Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse -1- Archbishop s Message: Thank you for coming to this way of the cross service. A special welcome to those of
More informationSUFFERING Part A - From Disobedience Part - B Suffering of Christ Part C - Dealing With Suffering as a Christian Compiled by Lewis A.
SUFFERING Part A - From Disobedience Part - B Suffering of Christ Part C - Dealing With Suffering as a Christian Compiled by Lewis A. Armstrong 17 Part A - From Disobedience Exodus 3:7 Then the Lord said,
More informationEven as we celebrate God with us, realistically we still face life in a fallen
I. Introduction God with us gives us hope. and He shall be called Emmanuel (Mt. 1:23). Even as we celebrate God with us, realistically we still face life in a fallen world, a world of tribulation. But
More informationNear the end of June I sat down to map out our summer sermon series on seeking and pursuing peace.
SERMON TITLE: Seek Peace Within TEXT: John 14:25-27; 16:25-33 PREACHED AT: Lethbridge Mennonite Church BY: Ryan Dueck DATE: August 26, 2012/13 th Sunday After Pentecost Near the end of June I sat down
More informationGrace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Amen.
July 7,8, 2018 2 Cor 12:2-10 Suffering and Grace 1 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Amen. At the end of the Apostle Paul s life here are a few of his
More informationA Channel of Comfort. What is your favorite comfort food? #BSFLbroken QUESTION 1 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE LifeWay
4 A Channel of Comfort What is your favorite comfort food? QUESTION 1 #BSFLbroken BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 105 THE POINT God s work in our lives makes us channels of His comfort to others. THE BIBLE MEETS
More informationunderstands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.
The First Congregational Church of Plainfield July 10, 2011 Sermon Title: Everybody s Got One Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 The Parable of the Sower That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat
More informationThe Messenger. Volume 9, No. 6 October Prepare America! A Prophetic Word to a Nation in Crisis Part 4 of 7. Prepare Your Soul.
The Messenger A Prophetic Bulletin Published by Prepare the Way International Malachi 3:1 "Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me." Volume 9, No. 6 October 2011 Prepare America!
More informationEphesians 1:3-14. Ephesians 1: Pray. Introduction. In Awe of the God who Called
Ephesians 1:3-14 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation
More informationWhy Have You Forsaken Me?
1 Why Have You Forsaken Me? I. INTRODUCTION A. Just before He dies, Jesus suddenly cries out to His Father: 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?
More informationTHE PAIN AND ANGUISH OF SUICIDE BY PASTOR LESTER ZIMMERMAN
Following are excerpts from a message given at a memorial service following a tragic suicide. My hope is you will find some thoughts in this message to help you in your grieving journey. I also pray there
More informationADVANCING GOD S KINGDOM: DRAWING NEAR TO GOD
ADVANCING GOD S KINGDOM: DRAWING NEAR TO GOD Introduction: Needless to say, we are living in times of tremendous spiritual, political, and economic upheaval. Many natural disasters have been occurring
More informationAssociation of U.S. Catholic Priests VESPERS OF HOPE
Association of U.S. Catholic Priests National Assembly, Chicago, June 27-30, 2016 VESPERS OF HOPE Based on a service originally organized in 2002 by the Diocese of Oakland. Adapted by Bernard R. Bonnot,
More informationThe Faith.Hope.Life. campaign is an initiative of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. very closely. By following this guide, a faith
The Faith.Hope.Life. campaign is an initiative of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention Prayer Guide 2018 National Weekend of Prayer for Faith, Hope and Life Overview This Prayer Guide will
More informationCAPITAL BIBLE CHURCH February 10, Why/How to Have Hope. 1 Cor. 13:13;Romans 5:1 5
CAPITAL BIBLE CHURCH February 10, 2013 SERMON NOTES PASTOR BILL HAKEN Why/How to Have Hope 1 Cor. 13:13;Romans 5:1 5 Intro: College football fans knew the late Woody Hayes as a fierce competitor whose
More informationIn Gethsemane January 15, 2017 Mark 14:32-42
I. Introduction In Gethsemane January 15, 2017 Mark 14:32-42 During His 33 years on earth, Jesus had repeatedly been exposed to the trials and temptations of this life Hebrews 4:15 says, For we do not
More informationSee then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. --Ephesians 5:15-16 (KJV)
InWord: Lossology 101 Session 5 ROUGH DRAFT: God Redeems the Pain. Really? Setting the Heart There is a phrase that s popularly used to comfort those who have experienced great pain from loss: God redeems
More informationFall: A Season of Change Colossians 3:15-17
Fall: A Season of Change Colossians 3:15-17 How should we approach this season of change in order to really remain sane, sanctified and successful? Living For His Peace 15 And let the peace of Christ rule
More informationFAITHFULNESS Have confidence that your actions rooted in good character will yield the best outcome possible for Israel. Even when you cannot see how at the start, remaining steadfast in advocacy is crucial.
More informationSTATIONS OF THE CROSS
STATIONS OF THE CROSS By Anthony Kelly, C.Ss.R., STD Opening Prayer: Holy God, Loving and Merciful One, we come to you in the darkness of our world. The weight of our cares and our responsibilities, of
More informationThe Gift of Grace. If you could have a lifetime supply of any product, what would you choose? #BSFLbroken QUESTION 1 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 97
3 The Gift of Grace If you could have a lifetime supply of any product, what would you choose? QUESTION 1 #BSFLbroken BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 97 THE POINT God s grace allows me to face anything life throws
More informationStrength through Weakness 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10
Strength through Weakness 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10 Our text today comes from the second letter Paul had written to the Corinthian church. The church at Corinth struggled with purity and spiritual consistency.
More informationThe Book of Forgiving Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu
The Book of Forgiving Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu This book is about understanding, embracing, and practicing forgiveness. Forgiveness seems to be a simple and straightforward process, but reading this
More informationTHE GIFT OF GRACE SESSION 3. The Point. The Passage. The Bible Meets Life. The Setting. God s grace allows me to face anything life throws at me.
SESSION 3 THE GIFT OF GRACE The Point God s grace allows me to face anything life throws at me. The Passage 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 The Bible Meets Life Our lives are filled with both joys and sorrows opportunities
More informationGod s Truth for You! 1. How can I know if I love Jesus? 2. Does God want me to be happy? 3. Does God still love me even when I do something bad?
God s Truth for You! Part of growing as a Christian means opening up God s Word and learning His truth. Of course, even if you have grown up in a Christian home with your own Bible, you may find that you
More informationStartled By Christ s Love
God has poured out His love Romans 5:5 I. Reclaiming Easter Startled by Christ s Love Startled By Christ s Love God has poured out His love into our hearts (Romans 5:5) Colossians 3:16 Preparation Let
More informationFROM THE HEART Psalm 40 Bob Bonner May 22, 2016
FROM THE HEART Psalm 40 Bob Bonner May 22, 2016 Worship has been defined as, Our response to Who God is, to what He promises, and to what He does. Sometimes we worship, we respond to who God is, through:
More informationWhat does this week s Bible reading teach me about Jehovah?
PSalms 52-59 Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.) http://infoglobal.altervista.org/blog/ Ps 56:8 What does the expression collect my tears in your skin bottle mean? (w09 6/1 29 _1; w08 10/1 26 _3) ***
More informationHow to Cope When You Are at the End of Your Rope
How to Cope When You Are at the End of Your Rope Dear Friend, How many times have you cried out for help when you felt all the pressures have pushed you over the cliff of life? There you are hanging at
More informationARE YOU ABLE? Matthew 20: Dr. J. Howard Olds Maundy Thursday April 8, 2004
ARE YOU ABLE? Matthew 20:20-28 Dr. J. Howard Olds Maundy Thursday April 8, 2004 Are you able? We ve been asking that question this Holy Week. Are you able to drink the cup I am going to drink? asked Jesus
More informationReflections on Being Family 2 nd Corinthians 13:11-13 CWZepp, BWCOB, May 18, 2008
Reflections on Being Family 2 nd Corinthians 13:11-13 CWZepp, BWCOB, May 18, 2008 From the conclusion of the 2 nd letter to the Corinthians: Finally brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order,
More informationThe Christian Life The Power Of Love God has a plan for you and me!
The Christian Life The Power Of Love God has a plan for you and me! Today s Key Word is Love which means Others First The Life of Jesus Christ, our Model for Living GOD IS LOVE AND IS BOTH Personal Love
More informationBecoming the Beloved: Broken Romans 8:18 28
Romans 8:18 28 Last weekend Pastor Hey Young beautifully expressed the wonderful truth that as God s children we are blessed. And most importantly we understand our blessing not so much in terms of material
More informationThat is, it turns up in some very unpredictable places, as we ll see a bit later.
Wade Street Church 07.05.17 am THE FRUITFUL LIFE 3. Joy John 16:17-26 Some of you, when you saw that the title of this morning s sermon was Joy, may well have thought as I probably would have done Oh no.
More informationThe Power of Deliverance
The Power of Deliverance Henry B. Eyring am grateful for the honor and the opportunity to speak with you today. It is an I honor because you are precious children of our Heavenly Father. In the life before
More informationCentral Truth God will give you more than you can handle, but He will never give you more than He can handle.
Central Truth God will give you more than you can handle, but He will never give you more than He can handle. Bible Readings Psalm 61:1-8 2 Cor 1:3-11 CHECK TIME Talk Note - a Very hot day on the day preached.
More informationWHEN IT S DARK A LIFE NIGHT ADDRESSING CRISIS
1 GOAL LIFE NIGHT OVERVIEW WHEN IT S DARK A LIFE NIGHT ADDRESSING CRISIS The goal of this Life Night is to discuss the emotions teens may experience when a crisis happens, and the existence of evil, as
More informationWhat I m Thankful For, Joshua Harris January 26, 2014
What I m Thankful For, Joshua Harris January 26, 2014 Main Idea: In moments of tragedy and death, where do we find comfort, hope, and even gratefulness? We can find them in God's nearness to the brokenhearted,
More informationAdvent Candle Lighting Liturgy 1 Advent 3 December 2017 Song: sing verses 1 and 2 of Light a Candle in a Darkened Place by Care Stainsby
Advent Candle Lighting Liturgy 1 Advent 3 December 2017 Song: sing verses 1 and 2 of Light a Candle in a Darkened Place by Care Stainsby 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 4 I always thank my God for you because of his
More informationPrayer Services for Survivors of Abuse and Those Whom We Love
Prayer Services for Survivors of Abuse and Those Whom We Love HOUSEKEEPING MOMENT Friday, September 29, 2017 8:30PM Eastern / 5:30PM Pacific Hosted by the Founders of The Healing Voices Magazine TheHealingVoices.com
More informationFULFILL YOUR MINISTRY 2 Timothy 3:14-4:1-8 First Presbyterian Church Dr. Michael A. Roberts September 23, 2018
1 2 Timothy 3:14-4:8 FULFILL YOUR MINISTRY 2 Timothy 3:14-4:1-8 First Presbyterian Church Dr. Michael A. Roberts September 23, 2018 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed,
More informationNOTES Why? Week #2 (PAIN) Pastor Tim June 11, 2017
NOTES Why? Week #2 (PAIN) Pastor Tim June 11, 2017 A World vs. A World Some of the harsh things in this world are by a God who is simply enforcing. One thing good about this world is that normally God
More informationWritten by: The Reverend James W. Dennis, III (2018) Edited by: The Reverend Samuel L. Green, Jr. Director of Christian Education
Written by: The Reverend James W. Dennis, III (2018) Edited by: The Reverend Samuel L. Green, Jr. Director of Christian Education The Right Reverend Samuel L. Green, Sr. Presiding Prelate The Call To Remembrance
More informationInvisible Wounds: Hope While You're Hurting Ebooks Free
Invisible Wounds: Hope While You're Hurting Ebooks Free Do you walk around looking perfectly fine, but feeling deeply wounded? Are you nursing spiritual, physical or emotional wounds that no one else can
More informationWHY DO GOOD PEOPLE SUFFER? Habakkuk 1:2-4; 2:4; 3:17-19 Chapel Message, September 12, 2001, Dr. E. LeBron Fairbanks INTRODUCTION:
WHY DO GOOD PEOPLE SUFFER? Habakkuk 1:2-4; 2:4; 3:17-19 Chapel Message, September 12, 2001, Dr. E. LeBron Fairbanks INTRODUCTION: 1. As Christians, we are forced periodically to ask questions and seek
More informationStorms and Thorns Text: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Bible Teacher Duffy Robbins
Storms and Thorns Text: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Bible Teacher Duffy Robbins 1. During the past two weeks, we have looked at storms and thorns. Duffy defined storms as shortterm but intense trials, usually
More informationUNDERSTANDING. Suicide WARNING SIGNS AND PREVENTION
UNDERSTANDING Suicide WARNING SIGNS AND PREVENTION PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK By Kenichi Shimokawa, PhD LDS Family Services, Japan office When Kevin was 16 years old, his parents went through a divorce.
More informationGrowth Group Homework For the week of February 17, 2013
Growth Group Homework For the week of February 17, 2013 QUICK REVIEW: Looking back at your notes from this week s teaching, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused
More informationON OUR SIDE. Can you remember this experience from childhood: standing in a line with your
Tracy Daub 9/30/18--University Presbyterian Church Psalm 124; Ephesians 2:1-10 ON OUR SIDE Can you remember this experience from childhood: standing in a line with your classmates while the team captains
More informationHarris Athanasiadis November 15, WHY DO YOU WORSHIP GOD? Job 1. Why do you worship God? Is it for something or is it for nothing?
Harris Athanasiadis November 15, 2015 WHY DO YOU WORSHIP GOD? Job 1 Why do you worship God? Is it for something or is it for nothing? We live in a world where people rarely do anything for nothing. We
More informationMark 1: Point 1: Jesus Heals on the Sabbath.
1 Mark 1:29-34 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about
More informationNAHUM: WHERE IS GOD S JUSTICE?
SERMON SERIES: The Unknown Prophets Pastor Chris Brown Message #10: Nahum: Where Is God s Justice? North Coast Church Nahum April 28-29, 2012 NAHUM: WHERE IS GOD S JUSTICE? How to interpret Nahum today:
More information6/25/2017 Does Jesus Care? 1
"Does Jesus Care?" Life can suddenly become harsh, causing us to question whether the Lord cares about us. Hello, I m Phil Sanders and this is a Bible study in search of the Lord s Way. When I m hurting,
More informationPsalm 126 God s Gift of Joy. Michelle Drewitz October 28, Riverdale Baptist Church Whitehorse, Yukon
Psalm 126 God s Gift of Joy Michelle Drewitz October 28, 2018 Riverdale Baptist Church Whitehorse, Yukon 1 Joy. Rejoicing. Shouts of joy. Laughter. Dancing. Delight. Joy is one of the many wonderful gifts
More informationWHERE IS GOD WHEN WE HURT?
Mark 1:21-28 February 1, 2015 WHERE IS GOD WHEN WE HURT? The reading from Mark s Gospel is a very simple story, really. Jesus and his disciples went to a place called Capernaum, and one of the things they
More informationHope for uncertain times
Hope for uncertain times Sometimes life throws curve balls at us. Sometimes it feels like we re wading through a pit full of curve balls. In the midst of certain uncertainty, the Bible offers us surprising
More informationCAPITAL BIBLE CHURCH July 12, God s Answer for Dark Valleys Stress busters - Part 5 Psalm 23:4
CAPITAL BIBLE CHURCH July 12, 2009 SERMON NOTES PASTOR BILL HAKEN God s Answer for Dark Valleys Stress busters - Part 5 Psalm 23:4 Intro: There is an old Arab parable that says: All sunshine and no rain
More informationStanding on the promises. By Russel K. Carter
1 Standing on the promises By Russel K. Carter 1. 2. Standing on the promises of Christ my King, Through eternal ages let His praises ring, Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing, Standing on the
More informationPERSEVERANCE. Hope. Weekly Guide MONTH 8, VOLUME 2
PERSEVERANCE Hope Weekly Guide MONTH 8, VOLUME 2 Perseverance Help Week Leader Guide Help Week: A time for student leaders to equip their peers with a leadership point, as they plan and pray for the month
More informationSecond Baptist Church of Doylestown. Bible Study Notes: Book of 1 Peter 6/14/1 7. Chapter 1
Second Baptist Church of Doylestown Bible Study Notes: Book of 1 Peter 6/14/1 7 Chapter 1 Praise to God for a Living Hope Verses 1-2 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God s elect, exiles scattered
More informationA Wounded Savior for a Wounded People
A Wounded Savior for a Wounded People Joel 2:12-19 Return to the Lord 12 Yet even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; 13 and rend your
More informationSATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 The Final Days of Advent
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 The Final Days of Advent Joining the chorus of our ancestors in faith, Come, Emmanuel. For the Jewish people, first to hear God s Word, For those who follow God s law, living witnesses
More informationInternet Archive Messages From Our Lord Jesus Christ & Our Blessed Mother To Locutionist Little Mary
Internet Archive Messages From Our Lord Jesus Christ & Our Blessed Mother To Locutionist Little Mary The Blessed Mother first came to Little Mary in a dream in August of 1994 and has received over 3000
More informationPastor Beate Chun St. Francis Lutheran Church, San Francisco, California
For the past several months Pr. Bea s sermons have been edited as standard text for the Web site. Some people have wondered if we could get closer to the sermon feel if we used Pr. Bea s actual formatting
More information1. When we are faced with our own trials, tribulations and personal obstacles, we may wonder how do I count this all joy?
Introduction James 1:2-8 Count It All Joy! 1. When we are faced with our own trials, tribulations and personal obstacles, we may wonder how do I count this all joy? 2. Individuals often ask this question
More informationCHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF PENNSYLVANIA (Mount of Redemption) 5200 PASCHALL AVENUE, PHILADELPHIA, PA, TEL/FAX
CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF PENNSYLVANIA (Mount of Redemption) 5200 PASCHALL AVENUE, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19143. TEL/FAX 215 724 5711 BIBLE STUDY MONTHLY PRAYER FORUM NOVEMBER 25 TH 2009 TEXT--- GENESIS CHAPTER
More informationTHE GIFT OF GRACE. If you could have a lifetime supply of any product, what would you choose? #BSFLbrokenvessels QUESTION #1 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 97
3 THE GIFT OF GRACE If you could have a lifetime supply of any product, what would you choose? QUESTION #1 #BSFLbrokenvessels BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 97 THE POINT God s grace allows me to face anything
More informationSpirituality of Perseverance Rev. Hannah Petrie Text: Option B by Sheryl Sandberg. READING Option B by Sheryl Sandberg, pp 51
Spirituality of Perseverance Rev. Hannah Petrie Text: Option B by Sheryl Sandberg CALL TO WORSHIP Albert Camus said, In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.
More informationFirst Sunday of Advent Prayers and Litanies
Prayers and Services: First Sunday of Advent First Sunday of Advent Prayers and Litanies Gathering Words, First Sunday of Advent 1. Joseph has a dream, and God makes way for the light of the world. Joseph
More information1. WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE?
1. WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE? The theme of this sermon series is the power of hope. Hope is one of the trio of most powerful virtues in the Christian life faith, hope and love. Often, hope
More informationExamination of Conscience Based on Luisa s Reflections and Practices For The Hours of the Passion 5PM Jesus takes leave of His Most Holy Mother
Examination of Conscience Based on Luisa s Reflections and Practices For The Hours of the Passion 5PM Jesus takes leave of His Most Holy Mother Before starting any action, let us always invoke the blessing
More informationWhy Is There So Much Evil and Suffering? ROMANS 5:12 (NKJV)
Message for THE LORD'S DAY EVENING, September 25, 2016 Christian Hope Church of Christ, Plymouth, North Carolina by Reggie A. Braziel, Minister TOPIC: Suffering, Questions and Answers from The Bible Why
More information1 Peter 1:6-9 Thursday 4/04/13
1 Peter 1:6-9 Thursday 4/04/13 To God Weekly theme: Thankfulness Prayers Go somewhere different for your prayers today, and explore what it means to praise God in different surroundings For myself Lord
More informationLesson 28 Philippians 4:2-9
Lesson 28 Philippians 4:2-9 BETTER THAN HAPPINESS Most households seem to have a junk drawer, and ours is located in the kitchen, which overflows with seemingly random unrelated items of varying degrees
More informationPraying In Times of Crises
~Other Speakers M-R: Kevin Meador: How do you seek God when you are in the midst of a crisis? Every believer will face crisis moments. You will encounter those times when your faith is tested. Following
More informationThree Perspectives. System: Building a Justice System Rooted in Healing By Shari Silberstein
TESHUVAH: RETURN Three Perspectives Part of the contribution that we as clergy make to activism is in transforming culture. As moral and spiritual leaders, we have the ability to offer people new lenses
More informationTwenty-Third Publications
introduction n You can t build a marriage on feelings that fluctuate with the day, Pope Francis told a group of engaged couples at the Vatican in February 2014. Marriage must be built on the solid foundation
More informationSermon Erev Yom Kippur September 25, 2012 Rabbi David A. Lipper. Hearts wide Open
Sermon Erev Yom Kippur September 25, 2012 Rabbi David A. Lipper Hearts wide Open The sun has set as we gathered in this prayerful place. We ready ourselves for a marathon of sorts, sprinting through the
More informationInventory Worksheet Guide (Lesson 9)
Inventory Worksheet Guide (Lesson 9) I. The first column - The Person and the Circumstance. A. Identify the people and circumstances that have impacted you in the past. a. Pick the first issue you recorded
More informationBible Promises for Parents of Children with Special Needs
Bible Promises for Parents of Children with Special Needs Bible Promises for parents of children with special needs AMY E. MASON Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois Visit Tyndale online
More information2/7/2016 Does Jesus Care? 1
"Does Jesus Care?" Life can suddenly come crashing down, causing us to question whether the Lord cares. Hello, I m Phil Sanders and this is a Bible study In Search of the Lord s Way. Now in times of pain,
More information