Suffering

Living with the Success of the Wicked | Psalm 37 |
We live in a world where it often seems that unjust, wicked people succeed. How does this fit with the Bible’s claim that God is a loving and powerful Father? In Psalm 37 we hear the ‘A-Z’ of how to not fret by instead trusting in God’s goodness, trusting in his just judgment, and patiently waiting upon him.

Kingdom Expectations | Acts 14 |
If Jesus is risen and reigning, what expectations should we have for life in his kingdom? Outline The Kingdom Comes (vv1-20) Strengthened and Encouraged (vv21-28) Strengthened for Hardship

Waiting Faith | Habakkuk 2:2-20 |
How do we ’live by faith’ in the midst of suffering and oppression? In this message, we hear God’s confronting and comforting response to this question. Outline Two ways to live (vv2-5) Five Woes (vv6-20) Living by Faith

How Long? | Habakkuk 1:1-2:1 |
Have you ever cried out to God? Felt overwhelmed by suffering or injustice? And wondered if God has heard? In this message, we hear one man’s cry to God and God’s surprising answer. Outline Questioning God (1:1-4) See God act! (1:5-11) but God!! (1:12-2:1)

Faithful Suffering | 1 Peter 4:12-19 |
What does God have to say about suffering, especially the suffering of his people? In this message from 1 Peter we hear how not to be surprised by suffering. Outline Suffering with Christ (vv12-14) Suffering as a Christian (vv15-16) Suffering and the will of God (vv17-19) A pre-recorded video of this sermon is also available

Life At The End | 1 Peter 4:1-11 |
How would knowing you only had a short time change your life? In this message from 1 Peter we hear how knowing Jesus and his suffering shapes how we live in light of ’the end'. Outline Not time for sin (vv1-6) Time for prayer (v7) Time for loving service (vv8-11)

The Good Life (in Bad Days) | 1 Peter 3:8-22 |
What do you think the ‘good life’ is, and where do you find it? In 1 Peter 3, God says the good life is found in Jesus, and this is something even suffering and persecution can’t take away. This passage also has some hard to understand bits in it - so have a listen to understand how something about ‘imprisoned spirits’ gives confidence and hope even in bad days. Outline How to see the good life (vv8-12) Even in bad days (vv13-17) Because of the Victory of Christ (vv18-22)

Submitting for Christ | 1 Peter 2:11-25 |
How should followers of Jesus relate to government and other ‘authorities’? If Jesus is the eternal king, how does that change things? This question is big at the moment, as we’ve all experienced new and regularly changing rules and instructions from those who govern us. What direction does the Bible give for us today? Outline Living to God’s glory (vv11-12) Submitting to government (vv13-17) Submitting to ‘masters’ (vv18-20) Because Christ is our suffering shepherd (vv21-25) (In this message this sermon, ‘Serving the Lord’ is referenced. Read more

Living Hope | 1 Peter 1:1-9 |
Is it possible to face suffering and trials with joy or hope? As we begin this series in 1 Peter, Hope Away From Home, we hear how Jesus gives us everything we need to have a true, living hope. Outline To those far from home (vv1-2) What God has done (vv3-5) Joy in trials (vv6-9)

The Shepherd from Bethlehem | Micah 4:9-5:15 |
Where do you see God at work? Our instinct is often to look for ‘big’ things or ‘good’ things. But as God spoke to his people through Micah, he teaches them that he’s at work through good and difficult times, in unexpected places, and as he grows them in holiness. Outline Present pain (4:9-5:1) Coming shepherd (5:2-8) The end of evil (5:9-15) Seeing God at work