Live Oak Church | Sermon Audio

Suffering doesn’t mean God has abandoned you. How we respond to God in our suffering determines what it produces in us.

In this message from Sunday, October 11, 2026, Dr. Mark Crosby looks at where suffering comes from, why our natural reactions often make it worse, and how God uses even our hardest seasons to shape us to look more like Jesus.

In this message:

• God has not ignored human suffering. He entered it Himself through Jesus Christ.
• Not all suffering has the same source: living in a fallen world, our own choices, persecution for doing right, and spiritual opposition.
• Why avoiding, resenting, compromising, or giving up only deepens the pain
• How God uses suffering to expose, correct, refine, strengthen, and mature us
• A healthy response for each kind of suffering
• Don’t waste what you’ve suffered. Let God use it to comfort and serve others.
• Jesus suffered unjustly, rose from the dead, and will ultimately defeat evil and suffering.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:6-12 · Romans 8:16-28 · 1 Peter 1:6-7

In the hands of God, even suffering can be redeemed, refined, and used to help us look more like Jesus.

Never suffer alone. If you’re walking through a hard season, our counseling ministry and church family are here for you. Call (225) 664-4801 or visit www.liveoak.church.

Join us Sundays at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 AM.

#LiveOakChurch #Sermon #Suffering #Faith #Hope #Romans8

Why is there evil and suffering in the world, and does God care? In this message, Dr. Mark Crosby explores how sin brought brokenness into creation, why God’s patience reflects mercy and grace, and how Jesus stepped into our suffering to bring redemption and the promise of renewal.As followers of Jesus, we’re called to care for those who are hurting, grieve with those who grieve, and bring hope to a broken world.Outline: https://www.liveoak.church/outlines

What helps us hold on to faith when life is difficult or doubts arise? In this message, Dr. Mark Crosby looks at Paul’s words near the end of his life: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Drawing from 2 Timothy 3:1–12 and 4:7–8, he talks about the pressures that can cause faith to drift and the practices that help us keep going. By keeping our focus on Jesus, staying rooted in Scripture, and walking with a community of believers, we can continue to trust Him through the challenges we face.

Outline: https://www.liveoak.church/outlines-----------------------------Giving: https://www.liveoak.church/giveNewsletter: https://www.liveoak.church/newslettersPrayer Requests: https://www.liveoak.church/prayer

Why am I here? What matters most? Where does life lead? In this message, Dr. Mark Crosby explores these questions through four significant days: the day we are born, the day we are born again, the day we discover our purpose, and the day we enter eternity.

Drawing from John 3:3–7 and 10:9–11, Ephesians 2:8–10, and Philippians 3:20–21, he explains the gift of new life in Jesus and encourages us to live with purpose that honors God and blesses others. Don’t miss what matters most.

Outline: https://www.liveoak.church/outlines-----------------------------Giving: https://www.liveoak.church/giveNewsletter: https://www.liveoak.church/newslettersPrayer Requests: https://www.liveoak.church/prayer

Ask your questions here: ⁠https://www.liveoak.church/family-answer-man⁠

This time is designed to answer questions commonly asked in both counseling and church settings. Our goal is to answer general questions from a Biblical Worldview through the lens of our collective years of experience and education to help you, our listeners, have a stronger, healthier, and happier family

This show is not a therapy session, and this is not specific advice for your situation. Mental health is a very serious issue. Family dynamics can be, and often are, very complicated and dynamic. For in-depth answers to your questions, we encourage you to seek professional counsel specific to your unique circumstances. We hope this episode of Family Answer Man will encourage you and inspire you to make changes that will lead to a stronger, healthier, and happier family.

Dr. David Orges

Dr. Mark Crosby

#Family #Counseling #Bible

God saves us by grace, and He has work for each of us to do. In this message, Dr. David Orges reminds us that following Jesus is an active, lifelong journey that includes helping others follow Him.

Drawing from Ephesians 2:8–10, Matthew 28:18–20, and 1 Corinthians 12:4–7, he explores how God uses our gifts, passions, and the places He has put us to serve His purpose. You don’t need a ministry title to take part in the mission. Consider the people God has placed in your life and the next step of obedience you can take.

Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7Outline: https://www.liveoak.church/outlines-----------------------------Giving: https://www.liveoak.church/giveNewsletter: https://www.liveoak.church/newslettersPrayer Requests: https://www.liveoak.church/prayer

Ask your questions here: ⁠https://www.liveoak.church/family-answer-man⁠

This time is designed to answer questions commonly asked in both counseling and church settings. Our goal is to answer general questions from a Biblical Worldview through the lens of our collective years of experience and education to help you, our listeners, have a stronger, healthier, and happier family

This show is not a therapy session, and this is not specific advice for your situation. Mental health is a very serious issue. Family dynamics can be, and often are, very complicated and dynamic. For in-depth answers to your questions, we encourage you to seek professional counsel specific to your unique circumstances. We hope this episode of Family Answer Man will encourage you and inspire you to make changes that will lead to a stronger, healthier, and happier family.

Dr. David Orges

Dr. Mark Crosby

#Family #Counseling #Bible

What does it mean to be “in” with Jesus, and how can you know you belong to Him? In this message, Dr. David Orges turns to Ephesians 2 to explain why we cannot earn salvation and how God makes us alive in Christ through His grace.

Drawing from Ephesians 1:13–14 and 2:1–10, John 6:35–40, and Romans 8:31–39, he shares the new identity and lasting security believers have in Jesus. If you are still deciding what to do with Christ, this message invites you to receive His gift. If you already belong to Him, it invites you to rest in what He has done.

Outline: https://www.liveoak.church/outlines-----------------------------Giving: https://www.liveoak.church/giveNewsletter: https://www.liveoak.church/newslettersPrayer Requests: https://www.liveoak.church/prayer

Ask your questions here: ⁠https://www.liveoak.church/family-answer-man⁠

This time is designed to answer questions commonly asked in both counseling and church settings. Our goal is to answer general questions from a Biblical Worldview through the lens of our collective years of experience and education to help you, our listeners, have a stronger, healthier, and happier family

This show is not a therapy session, and this is not specific advice for your situation. Mental health is a very serious issue. Family dynamics can be, and often are, very complicated and dynamic. For in-depth answers to your questions, we encourage you to seek professional counsel specific to your unique circumstances. We hope this episode of Family Answer Man will encourage you and inspire you to make changes that will lead to a stronger, healthier, and happier family.

Dr. David Orges

Dr. Mark Crosby

#Family #Counseling #Bible

Busyness and misplaced priorities can cause us to miss the people and moments that matter most. In this message, Dr. Mark Crosby reflects on the pain of regret and the choices that shape our relationships with family.

Drawing from Genesis 2:18–25 and Ephesians 5:28–33, he encourages us to put Jesus first, look for ways to bless others, and be present with those we love. Whether a relationship needs more attention or a fresh start, God can help us make different choices and begin again.