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.

The Sovereign Hand of the Lord

The Sovereign Hand of The Lord | Acts 11: 19-30 (ESV)

Whose hand do we trust to lead us as a church? Remember that this story takes us back to chapter 8. After Stephen was killed for his faith, the Gospel spread into Samaria. Even persecutors like Saul were miraculously converted (chapter 9). But here, those who were scattered because of Stephen’s death were taking the Gospel further into new places. This is because Luke says (in v. 21), “the hand of the Lord was with them.” So throughout this passage, we will see:- a) The hand of the Lord in difficult times. b) The hand of the Lord in saving people. c) The hand of the Lord in bringing relief.

Jesus At The Center of The Story

Jesus At The Center of The Story | Acts 10: 36–48 |

What would bring healing to all that divides peoples and nations? As we continue in Cornelius’ conversion story, remember that his house was full of Gentiles waiting to hear about Jesus. As Peter begins to speak, he begins with how God shows no partiality in salvation (v. 35). The wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles had been broken. The Holy Spirit had fallen even on the Gentiles. God’s grace now extended not only to the Jews; but to everyone in every nation. So this is what we are going to see in our passage:- a) Jesus came to bring good news of peace. b) Jesus came to die and was raised for us. c) Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as a gift to us.

Welcome in The Presence of God

Welcome in The Presence of God | Acts 10: 17–33 (ESV)

How can we welcome those who are different and far from us? As we continue in Cornelius’ conversion story, remember that the Jews had a difficult time accepting Gentile Christian converts. Since Gentiles were seen as ceremonially unclean, the Jews tried to avoid mixing with them. Yet, it was while in the house of Simon that Peter began to see that God showed no partiality. Even the dietary laws were not about food, but about people. God’s grace now extended not only to Jews but to everyone in every nation. So in our passage, we’ll look at:- a) Welcoming outsiders as our guests. b) Meeting outsiders where they are. c) Welcoming outsiders in God’s presence.

When God Cleanses The Unclean

When God Cleanses The Unclean | Acts 10:1-16 (ESV)

How many of you cannot eat certain foods due to health issues? Here, we now come to the conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile. The Jews, like Peter, had a difficult time accepting Gentile converts to Christianity. Because Jews had dietary laws and considered Gentiles ceremonially unclean. But (ch.9: 43) Peter was staying in the house of Simon, a leather maker; a trade considered unclean by the Jews. And it was in that house that God showed Peter that what God called clean Peter cannot call it unclean. So in this passage, we’ll look at: a) Those who are truly seeking God. b) Those who are prepared by God. c) Those who are made clean by God.    

The Coming Alive of Our Bodies

The Coming Alive of Our Bodies | Acts 9:32-43 (ESV)

Does God still heal miraculously today?  Here, we now come to the story of Aeneas and Tabitha—who were miraculously healed.  Since the coming of the Holy Spirit, the church was growing rapidly despite persecutions.  Even in v. 31, as the church was “walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.” And so the healing of Aeneus and Tabitha shows that the Spirit was moving powerfully through the apostles.  But what was God’s purpose in healing Aeneas and Tabitha?  In our passage, we’ll see:  a) The deeper healing we all need.  b) The death that comes to us all.  c) The resurrection that awaits us all.     

When The Church Welcomes Enemies

When The Church Welcomes Enemies | Acts 9: 23–31 (ESV)

How many of you are skeptical of people’s conversion stories? When famous people become Christians, I am often skeptical—until I see real change in their lives. Here, in Saul’s conversion story, the church in Jerusalem was also afraid and skeptical at first. Because Saul had a violent past! As Saul was on his way to persecute Christians he was dramatically changed by the light of Christ. And ever since Ananias had come to pray for him, Saul had been preaching to his own people (vv. 21–22). But very soon, Saul is going to face opposition. So, in this passage, we’ll see that: a) With new life comes new opposition. b) With new life comes a new family. c) With new life comes peace and awe.

A Chosen Instrument of Grace

A Chosen Instrument of Grace | Acts 9: 10–22 (ESV)

Who among your friends, families, or co-workers are resistant to Christianity? Here, as we continue in Saul’s conversion story, we see that Jesus can turn even the most hardened enemy into His chosen instrument. As Saul was on his way to persecute Christians he was dramatically changed by the light of Christ. And very soon Saul is going to be sent on a mission as Jesus sends Ananias to restore him. So, in this passage, we’ll see that: a) Jesus chooses reluctant servants. b) Jesus chooses broken instruments. c) Jesus sends out restored sinners.

The Unlikely Convert: An Enemy of The Way

The Unlikely Convert: An Enemy of The Way | Acts 9: 1–9 (ESv)

Who do you think is unlikely to convert to Christ? Here in ch. 9, we now come to the story of Saul—a violent persecutor and enemy of the early Church. Remember (in ch. 7: 58), when Stephen was stoned to death, Saul was there. He was approving the killing of Stephen in ch. 8: 1. But little did Saul know that as he was out to persecute Christians he would be dramatically converted on the way to Damascus. This is a story of how the grace of God saves sinners and transforms us for His glory. So, from this passage, we’ll see: a) Those who oppose the Way. b) Those who encounter the Way. c) Those who have seen the Way.

Do You Understand What You Are Reading?

Do You Understand What You Are Reading? | Acts 8: 26–31 (ESV)

Do you understand what you read in Scripture? After the apostles saw the Holy Spirit fall on the Samaritans, they continued preaching as they returned to Jerusalem (in v. 25). But Phillip, led by the Holy Spirit, went towards the south to a desert place. It was in that unlikely place that he met an Ethiopian longing to understand the Scripture. As Phillip explained the Scripture, he was used mightily by the Spirit to point someone to Jesus. So, in this passage, we’ll see that: a) The Spirit leads us to the Scripture. b) The Spirit shows us Jesus in Scripture. c) The Spirit unites us to new life with Jesus.

Welcome One Another

Welcome One Another | Romans 15:1-9

Have you been giving up your Christian freedom for the sake of others? Who are the weaker brothers and sisters God has called you to love? In chapter 14, Paul had talked about freedom of conscience that believers have because of God's grace. He had said that the strong must not be a stumbling block to the weak. Now, he shows that Christian are to use their freedom for the good of their neighbours. So, in this passage, we'll see: a) The selfless example of Christ. b) The true harmony found in Christ. c) The gracious welcome of Christ.

The Blessing of Scripture Meditation

The Blessing of Scripture Meditation | Psalm 1:1-6

Prayer is talking to God. But if prayer is talking to God, how do we listen to God? To answer that, we turn to the Book of Psalms today. The Psalms are the most quoted O.T book in the New Testament. And some of the Psalms speak about the importance of meditating on God's Word. Here, in Psalm 1, we see the blessed man who delights in the law of God and meditates on it day and night. So from our passage, we're going to see: a) The way of blessedness. b) The way of fruitfulness. c) The way of perishing.

The Triumph of The Saviour

The Triumph of The Saviour | Isaiah 11:1-10

In ch. 9, we saw that a great light had dawned on people living in darkness. By ch. 10: 15, God had used Assyria like an axe to discipline Israel and Judah. And by the end of ch. 10: 34, the Assyrian army is cut down like a forest because of pride. But a day is coming when the Messiah will cut down the root of all the world's problems and bring a kingdom of peace. And so in this passage, we'll see that:- a) He is unlimited in wisdom and power. b) He judges with righteousness and faithfulness. c) He will renew and restore the broken world.

The Love We All Owe

The Love We All Owe | Romans 13: 8-14

Have you been paying up what you owe? Did you know we have a debt to pay? In the previous verse, Paul had talked about what Christians owed to the government. Earlier in v. 7, he had said, "pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed." The Romans never used taxes properly, yet Paul still called the Christians to pay what was owed to Caesar. And now, Paul turns to the debt that Christians can never stop paying. So in our passage, we'll see:- a) The debt of love we owe to one another. b) The day of Christ that is drawing near. c) The garment of love we now wear.

Biblical Leadership | Elders: Shepherds of The Flock

Elders: Shepherds of The Flock | 1 Peter 5:1-5

What comes to your mind when you think of a spiritually maturing church? Last week, we saw in Acts 6:1-7 that when the needs were growing, the church appointed deacons so that the apostles could focus on the ministry of the Word. So as we turn to 1 Peter 5:1-5 today, we're going to see that elders are appointed: a) To shepherd the flock among us. b) To lead by being examples to the flock. c) To lead the flock to the chief Shepherd.

Genuine Love In The Church

Genuine Love in The Church | Romans 12:9-21

What does genuine love look like in the church? What does it mean to love one another in our hearts and actions? Earlier in v. 1, Paul had said "present your bodies as a living sacrifice" in view of God's mercy. He then talked about using spiritual gifts to serve others (wv. 3-8). Now, in w. 9-21, he turns to the importance of love and hospitality; and blessing our enemies. So, in our passage, we'll see that: a) Genuine love produces brotherly affection. b) Genuine love rejoices and weeps with others. c) Genuine love overcomes evil with good.

Why Was Jesus Born

Why Was Jesus Born? | Luke 2: 13-21

Why was Jesus born? In ch. 2: 1-14, God used Caesar's decree to move Mary and Joseph, 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem to fulfill His promise. And we saw how Jesus was born in a humble place to take the lowest place among us. So from our text today, we're going to see 3 more reasons why Jesus was born: a) Jesus was born to make Himself known to us. b) Jesus was born to be treasured in our hearts. c) Jesus was born to fulfill all the law for us.