Sermon Reflections from God at the Movies "Young Woman and the Sea" | Alex Hardt | June 23, 2024
In our journey through life, we often encounter waves of challenges that test our faith and resolve. It's in these moments that the virtue of perseverance becomes our anchor, enabling us to navigate through the storms and emerge stronger. Life can be difficult and even brutal at times, but that does not mean that we need to drown in the challenges of the world. Perseverance is not merely about enduring hardships; it's about actively pursuing God's promises. It's a gift from God. When we align our lives with God's will, we find the strength to overcome any obstacle. It's about holding onto the belief that our efforts will bear fruit in due season, as we trust in the divine plan laid out for us. It's about not putting our trust in the world but in God. Knowing that in his goodness and grace we can overcome any mountain, wave, obstacle, or challenge. Life can throw us into the deep end, much like the cold and rough waters of the English Channel. However, just as swimmers push through the waves, we too must face our challenges with unwavering faith. The Apostle Paul's life exemplifies this as he faced imprisonment, persecution, and shipwrecks, yet remained steadfast in his mission to spread the gospel. Paul could continue to push forward because his faith and perseverance came from his heavenly father. He knew that his Father would never leave him or let him down. That WHO was with him was far greater than WHAT was in front of him. That God was working in him, through him, and all around him which gave him the resolve to push through all that he encountered. To cultivate perseverance, we must engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. These practices are the strokes that keep us moving forward in faith. They provide us with the guidance, wisdom, and support needed to withstand life's trials and tribulations. The more we draw to God, the more we are able to preserver. As we discover who God is, we soon recognize that nothing in this world can overcome or outlast him. Perseverance is more than just surviving; it's about thriving in the pursuit of God's promises. It's about overcoming obstacles with faith, engaging in spiritual disciplines, and sowing seeds that will yield a harvest of righteousness. As we face life's challenges, let us look to the example set by the Apostle Paul and the inspiring story of Trudy, (the young woman and the sea movie) the swimmer who conquered the English Channel. Let their stories remind us that with God, we can persevere through anything. Some questions for Reflection - How can you actively pursue God's promises in the face of adversity? - What spiritual disciplines strengthen to build your resilience? Blessing, Pastor Alex MESSAGE LINK Click Here to View the Message on Youtube Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am. Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass Sermon Reflections from God Promises Problems | Damon Hopkins | September 17, 2023
How many of us experience pain, suffering, and difficulties in our life? The answer would be that all of us do. At some point in our life, whether it's right now, in the past, or in the future... All of us will experience some kind of suffering. In those moments we often look for healing from those within our perimeter of view or we look towards things of this world. But...What about if we looked somewhere else? What if we sought to find comfort in God? In these verses, 2 Corinthians 1:3-8, the Apostle Paul expresses praise and gratitude to God, who is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. Paul acknowledges that God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others in their troubles with the comfort we have received from Him. He emphasizes that as followers of Christ, they have shared in both suffering and consolation. Paul shares his own experiences of facing hardships in Asia, where he and his companions were burdened beyond their ability to endure, even to the point of despair. However, he notes that this occurred so that they would not rely on themselves but on God, who raises the dead. Paul concludes by expressing his confidence that God will continue to deliver them from such perilous situations and that the Corinthians' prayers will contribute to their deliverance. Have you ever noticed how we seem to need or want God more when problems are big? That when we realize we can't solve this thing or overcome that obstacle or achieve something on our own, is exactly when God seems to be most prevalent. Like Paul, when we are at our weakest, the best thing we can do is get on our knees and pray to God. We need to surrender our life over to God and let him take control. Is it easy?!? Nope. Being vulnerable and open is very difficult to do. Asking for help is hard to do. Complete surrender seems impossible to do, but it's the best thing we can do. God is not just some big God who lives in a galaxy far far away. Our God is close by and cares deeply for us. He knows every detail about us. God is waiting for us to turn to him instead of this world. As amazing as our friends and family are they can't do what God can do. God can wipe away every tear, overcome every fear, give us peace beyond understanding, and give us hope when all seems lost. In essence, these verses remind us to find comfort and strength in God during times of difficulty and suffering, and how in doing so, it enables believers to offer support and empathy to others facing similar challenges. I don't know what you or others in your life is going through right now, but my hope and prayer is that you lean into God during this time. Pray for God's comfort to be upon everyone present and for the ability to comfort others in times of need. Blessings, Pastor Alex MESSAGE LINK Click Here to View the Message on Youtube Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am. Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass. |
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