November 10, 2014
How to Develop Unwavering Faith
On occasion, every one of us will go through troubling times, and when that happens, it's easy to get disheartened. But the Bible indicates that even during periods of challenge and adversity, God expects His children to respond correctly. And His word equips us to do so.
What does a right response look like? Today's passage teaches us to rejoice during difficulty. Of course, this does not mean that we must be glad about the hardship. But we can be joyful because we know that God is using the circumstances to prepare and grow us. Even though having a positive attitude during something so negative does not seem logical, it actually makes sense for several reasons.
First of all, through difficult experiences, the Lord teaches us endurance. Our natural reaction to pain is oftentimes to run in the opposite direction—and as fast as possible. However, God wants us to "hang in there" so that we can derive the full benefit of whatever lesson He has for us.
Second, the heavenly Father uses trials as a refining fire to purify His children and bring them to greater spiritual maturity. He has a plan for each believer, and hardship is one of the tools necessary to prepare us to do His will. In the process, we will find that our faith has been strengthened.
As we realize God brings benefit from our adversities, we'll begin to face challenging times with confidence that He always has our best interest in mind. This leads to joy, because we know He is building our endurance, purifying our hearts, and making us people with unshakeable trust in Him.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
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Current Sermon Series:
We live in a world that squabbles over the beginning of the world and mankind. Some say that it was a Big Bang and some say that we were created by some sort of intelligent design. Still, others think that we have come from primordial ooze and the like. If only there were something that would tell us of our beginnings, something that was recorded for mankind from the maker of the universe. Oh, but there is, it is called the Bible, the Word of God, and it starts with 'In the beginning...'. Over the next five weeks, Lord willing, we will be studying the first few chapters of Genesis. Join us as we look at In The Beginning...
Last Week: We looked at the consequences of believing evolution over creation. We also saw some ways that Evolution can be refuted. We closed with some evidences of creation as well.
Sunday's message is available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week: We will pause in our series as we will have special guest John Stahlman from Child Evangelism Outreach from Washington, PA. with us. The following week we will continue our series In The Beginning....
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November 10 - Ladies Bible Study at the church beginning at 6:30 PM.
November 11 - Men's Bible Study at the church beginning at 7 PM. We will be covering James 2.
November 16 - Thanksgiving Carry In Fellowship Dinner following the AM Worship Service.
November 16 - Special Guest Speaker John Stahlman from Child Evangelism Outreach from Washington, PA, will be with us in the morning services.
November 25 - Thanksgiving Service at 7 PM
November 26 - No Wednesday Services
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