Where Suffering Leads

Pastor’s Pen,

This Sunday:   Where Suffering Leads                                                           1Peter 4:12-19

It isn't hard to live the Christian life when things are going well. Most of us have discovered that when we are healthy, financially stable and not involved in interpersonal conflicts, we can live in a way that glorifies the Lord without too much trouble.

But what about when things go wrong? When we suffer financial ruin, when family relationships crumble, when dreaded diseases ruin our health, when sorrow and disappointment invade our lives,  or when we may be called on to suffer persecution-- how does that affect our walk with the Lord?

We have no guarantees in life, and received this in light of COVID and the conflict in Ukraine.

But when we do suffer hardship, Peter’s reminder as he wrote to Christians who were suffering in the first century applies to us today as well. In short, what he says is, “Rejoice Christian! Because suffering in the will of God leads to ultimate glory.”

*****


We appreciate those who help sanitize our facilities for services each Saturday morning in in in in in in in in in in in preparation for Sunday worship as well as those who make it possible for us to ‘live-stream’ on Facebook at 10:45 each Sunday morning, and to post each Sunday’s message on our website (www.fccwylie.org) on Sunday afternoons. 


When you enter the sanctuary Sunday, after you are given a bulletin, stop by the communion table where the offering plates are located in the rear of the worship center and pick up your disposable communion cup. Then following the service, please dispose of it in the trash can. (Mark 10:45) 


We continue to hold our Sunday services with all safety protocols and pre-service sanitizing in place. No Sunday school yet, and the nursery is not available.  We are now following the latest CDC guidelines which allow fully vaccinated individuals to go without masks. We use bulletins printed untouched by human hands, with songs, etc. printed therein, and pre-packaged communion elements. Offering plates are located at the rear, or giving can be done online at www.fccwylie.org.


If you still feel uncomfortable attending, feel free to join our live stream on Facebook, at 10:45 AM, which includes communion and the worship hymns. Or the message is available each Sunday afternoon on our website. (www.fccwylie.org)


         



 Where Suffering Leads                                                           1Peter 4:12-19

       I.          Don't be surprised (12)

    1. The pressure will likely grow hot     
    2. But suffering is not a stranger to Christians   

  1. Rejoice when suffering comes (13-14) 


    1. Suffering for Christ will lead to a glorious future reward    
    2. Suffering is used by the Holy Spirit to glorify God in us right now


  1. Avoid suffering for your own wrongdoing (15-18)
    1. The contrasting kinds of suffering    
    2. The certainty of the Christians judgment 


  1. Commit yourself to God's care (19)



PRAYER ITEMS: Please check the Prayer list in the Bulletin!

Ukraine-Russia conflict

Glen Housewright-now home

Bruce Moilan— continued progress dealing with multiple health issues: Also, son Drew, eyesight 

Carroll Holley – tumor in lung

Pastor’s brother John Hawkins— in rehab

John Royal’s father

Betty Housewright-vision issues  

Darla: health issues; she and other healthcare workers; educators, students

Mike’s son Jesse; Viviana’s son

Jo’s son-in-law-Job in Dallas

Shirley’s cousin: lost his wife, heart surgery upcoming

William Martin-colon cancer

Martha Jarisch – Heart procedure April 6



RADIO THIS WEEKEND:

In the aftermath of the stresses of the COVID pandemic, rampant inflation and other factors, many people today are feeling burned out. A recent survey by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research indicated that as many as 40% of people in ministry are considering quitting. 

This weekend on Encouragement Live, Christian life coach and counselor John Coleman joins host Don Hawkins to provide insight and encouragement for those who feel burned out.   

Encouragement Live can be heard Saturday at 7:05 PM central time on American Family Radio (90.9 FM) or (www.afr.net) and on theworshipchannel.org.  Re-broadcast Sunday 9 pm on The Worship Channel. 


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