Don’t Be Surprised By Sufferings

Don’t Be Surprised By Sufferings | 1 Peter 4: 12–19 |

How do we respond when suffering takes us by surprise? Here, Peter is writing to persecuted believers in Asia Minor (in modern-day Turkey). In the midst of increasing opposition, he reminds them not to be surprised by trials. Because, in Peter’s mind, God is using suffering to purify the church. With the heart of a pastor, Peter was preparing Christians to suffer well. So, how can we suffer well as Christians? Following in our passage, Peter says:- a) When you suffer, do not be surprised. b) When you suffer, know that you are blessed. c) When you suffer, trust in God’s faithfulness.

God’s Purpose in Your Sufferings

God’s Purpose in Your Sufferings | 2 Corinthians 1: 3--11 | Pastor Joey Zorina

Where can we find comfort in times of suffering? When all earthly comforts fail, where do we turn for comfort? Writing from Macedonia, around A.D 55–57, Paul endured unimaginable sufferings for the Gospel. His missionary journeys were often far beyond what his strength could endure—that he wrote in verse 8, we “were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.” But if anyone had experienced God’s comfort in suffering it was Paul! So following Paul in this passage, we’ll see: a) The purpose of God in our afflictions. b) The comforts of Christ in our sufferings. c) The unshakable hope of our resurrection.

Don’t Waste Your Trials

Don’t Waste Your Trials | James 1: 2--12

What has been hard, challenging and robbing you of your joy lately? The letter of James was written to Jewish Christians scattered across the Roman world (v. 1). These believers were severely tested by oppression, persecution, sickness and poverty. But as the trials were becoming hard to bear, some were falling into temptations (v. 14) and failed to put their faith into practice (vv. 19–26). So, James here is encouraging believers to persevere with joy, pray for wisdom and trust in God's unfailing promise. With that in mind, we’ll look at:- a) The various trials that test our faith. b) The wisdom that God gives in our trials. c) The crown of life God promises to give us.

The Unshakable Hope of The Gospel

The Unshakable Hope of The Gospel | Romans 5:1–8

Where do we stand in relationship with God? This is the most important question we can ask. This was the question that troubled Martin Luther as he struggled with doubts and assurance of faith! But in the fall of 1515, Luther began to teach the Book of Romans to his students. As he painstakingly prepared his lectures, he began to see—that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone. This was the hope that ignited the Protestant Reformation in 1517. According to Luther, no chapter in the Bible can equal Romans 5. So, following in our passage we’ll look at: - a) The hope of the gospel in which we stand. b) The hope of the gospel in our sufferings. c) The hope of the gospel in Jesus’ sufferings.

United with Jesus in His Death and Life

United with Jesus in His Death and Life | Romans 6:1-11

How are we to live in light of Jesus' death and resurrection? Earlier in ch. 5:20, Paul had said, "where sin increased, grace abounded all the more." Paul knew that when we hear about the lavish grace of God, it is tempting to think we can continue in sin. It is very easy to think that God's grace is a license to sin. But Paul is going to show how God's grace brings an end to our old selves and raises us to the newness of life. So, in our passage, we'll see that: a) We have been baptized into Christ' death. b) We have been set free from sin's slavery. c) We are now dead to sin and alive to God.

Be The Church | Together in Spiritual Worship

Together in Spiritual Worship | Pastor Joey Zorina | Romans 12: 1-7

In this episode of our series, we turn to Romans 12: 1-7. Paul writing to Christians in Rome says they are not to conform to that world but be transformed by the renewal of the mind. He calls this true spiritual worship. Follow along as we look at:- a) The worship we offer in our bodies. b) The measure of faith God has given to us. c) The gifts of graces God uses in the body.