Kingdom Fellowship Weekend

Why is there pain in the world if God is good? If God could part the Red Sea, raise the dead, and stop the lion’s mouths, why did He let this happen to me? Does God really care about me? Why should I serve, let alone love Someone who, by all appearances, stands by and watches and maybe even plans the death, suffering, abandonment, and abuses in my life and all around me in the world?

Every person has wrestled with these kinds of questions. For some, it is from very personal experiences and for others, it is what they see around them that eats at their faith or puts the damper on their enthusiasm for loving and serving God.

1. In “The Problem of Pain – part 1” I addressed some truths about God and the world that radically alters the way the situation is often made to appear.
2. In this Part 2, I addressed truths that have helped me cope with the pain in my life and open myself to God’s love when it hurts.

Why is there pain in the world if God is good? If God could part the Red Sea, raise the dead, and stop the lion’s mouths, why did He let this happen to me? Does God really care about me? Why should I serve, let alone love Someone who, by all appearances, stands by and watches and maybe even plans the death, suffering, abandonment, and abuses in my life and all around me in the world?

Every person has wrestled with these kinds of questions. For some, it is from very personal experiences and for others, it is what they see around them that eats at their faith or puts the damper on their enthusiasm for loving and serving God.

1. In this Part 1, I addressed some truths about God and the world that radically alters the way the situation is often made to appear.
2. In “The Problem of Pain – part 2” I addressed truths that have helped me cope with the pain in my life and open myself to God’s love when it hurts.

Starting with establishing the centrality of Christ, Melvin Lehman then reflects on historical lessons for our generation. What can we learn from Biblical and contemporary examples of revival? How do the four eras of peace illustrate the sovereignty of God? With stories and illustrations, the timeline from Christ to the Reformation to the present time is examined for relevance to our modern experience. How are God’s people in the Western world being affected by global socialization or nationalism? Message concludes with a call for Kingdom communities that bring God’s kingdom to the earth.

The presentation ends with an interactive question-and-answer session from the audience.

From the life of the early Waldensians, Brother John D. Martin draws several practical lessons — The Preaching of the Gospel is non-negotiable. True Christians are committed to literal obedience. True Christians should maintain a healthy suspicion of clever theological rationalizations. The priority of Christians is a thorough understanding of the Scriptures. The Biblical teachings of wealth should be taken seriously and literally. “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Brother Ernest Strubhar presents the challenging and sobering stories of Perpetua, Annekin Jansy, Aisha, the Mother of Seven, and others. What do these all have in common? They refused to recant or turn back from following their Savior no matter the consequences. What are you willing to give up for Christ?

Michael Sattler left his life as a monk and became an early leader of the Anabaptist movement. Brother Dean Taylor picked five highlights from the legacy of this dedicated Christian from which we can draw much inspiration — Michael Sattler was a man of the Bible. He studied Biblical languages and knew how to discuss doctrine. He was very concerned about love, boldly followed the commands of Christ in evangelism and mission work, loved the church, and followed the commands of Christ for the church. But most importantly Michael Sattler was faithful to Christ to the end.

Brother Steve Clapper shares some of his life experiences and admonishes the young men to consider how the decisions and choices they make today will affect their life and future. Have you given up everything to be a disciple of Christ or have you fallen into the traps of pride, arrogance, drugs, alcohol, love of money, sexual immorality, pornography, media, internet, or entertainment? If you find yourself in bondage, you can be set free! “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one” (1 John 2:14b).

Drawing inspiration from the ladies mentioned in Hebrews 11, and then sharing her own life story and walk of faith, Sister Wendy Good encourages women today to be faithful, no matter what the circumstances of their lives. The only thing that can hinder God’s will or purpose in our lives, is us ourselves. The things in our lives may not be what we consider good, but God can use them to work together for our good as we surrender to His will for us.

Brother Ernest Strubhar challenges the listener with the life and experiences of Casiodoro de Reina, a Bible translator sometimes called the “William Tyndale of Spain”. Casiodoro de Reina spent twelve years translating the Bible into Spanish facing many adversities and strong persecution. What have you done in the last twelve years of your life? What are you willing to sacrifice to fulfill the calling of God on your life?

James, being the brother of Jesus, experienced very closely the earthly life of our Lord. In this well-researched message, Brother Brandon Byler shares how James was there to observe Jesus’ childhood, ministry, death, and resurrection. He believed the Gospel message of his Brother. He lived and taught a very practical faith and left a legacy to be followed. James was a doer. What are you doing?