God’s Purpose in Our Suffering

 Pastor’s Pen,

Sunday:   God’s Purpose in Our Suffering                                             1 Peter 5:10-14                                                          

Are you ever tempted to ask why me Lord? Or, why this trial? Perhaps it’s a serious illness diagnosis, a falling out with a friend or family member, or the loss of a job. Or perhaps even something worse? And sometimes we just plain feel like giving up!

Job in the Old Testament is most closely identified with suffering. He could’ve written a book on the subject. As could Peter, in the New Testament.  And Peter actually did.  Throughout First Peter he touched on the subject. (2:23, 24; 3;13, 14; 4:1,2; 4:12-15. 

As we come to the conclusion of this epistle, Peter’s benediction, we learn the key to understanding why God allows us to suffer. Our suffering is designed to strengthen us for God’s 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)

 

 

 God’s Purpose in Our Suffering                                             1 Peter 5:10-14                                                           

I.               Consider the person of God    

a.     He is characterized by giving us the good we do not deserve       

b.    He has called us to eternal glory    

c.     His Son suffered and died to be our Savior      

 

      

II.             Consider the process of suffering  

a.     It’s real       

b.    It’s temporary  

c.     It results in completeness  

                                               i.     Stabilized 

                                              ii.     Strengthened 

                                            iii.     Settled 

 

III.            Consider the purpose of suffering

a.     His glory: now and forever!

b.     Our assurance

 

IV.            Consider Peter’s final words

a.     Regarding partners

b.     Regarding peace

 


 


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

Ukraine-Russia conflict

Glen Housewright

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

Carroll Holley – treatment for tumors

Joey Howeth-heart issues

John Royal’s father

Betty Housewright-vision issues  

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

Viviana-health issues, further tests 

Kathy Simmons’ mother- hip surgery

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

William Martin-colon cancer

 

RADIO THIS WEEKEND:

In many parts of the world today Christians are undergoing significant persecution. It’s important for us as believers to understand what’s happening in Ukraine, the Middle East and other parts of the world. We should also be prepared to suffer adversity for our Lord here in the USA.

This weekend on Encouragement Live, Rex Rogers, president of SAT-7, joins host Don Hawkins to provide insight and encouragement on this issue. 

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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