When you are in the midst of trials and suffering, you feel like it’ll never end and that there’s no purpose in it.  It’s easy to lose hope.  Pain has a way of blinding you to anything but the suffering you’re experiencing.  However, as Pastor John teaches today, God has good for you beyond your suffering.  He can see what you can’t.  All you see is your pain, but He sees a different future.  So, instead of running from your problems, or blaming God for the circumstances, trust Him.  Wait on Him and hold onto Him in hope.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Ruth chapter 1 as he begins his message Running From Your Problems.

It’s possible, as a Christian, to backslide and fall away from God.  Sin can take hold of you and pull you away for a time.  And because of God’s grace, there’s always a way back.  But, oftentimes, people live in sin, happily, while only claiming “Christian” as a title.  If there’s no evidence of faith in your life, perhaps you weren’t saved to begin with.  Today, Pastor John will encourage you, if you are truly saved, but have fallen away, to come back.  Repent and return to the Lord.  He longs for you to come back to Him!

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of James chapter 4 as he continues his message Does Your Faith Work?

A believer in Christ isn’t just a Christian in name only.  There’s so much more that goes into a life of faith.  And, while the bible is clear you can’t earn your salvation, you ought to still work to live out your faith in your life.   Today, Pastor John will challenge you to evaluate yourself and determine if you live your faith out.  A faith that works resists temptation, pursues God, stays faithful despite trials, changes sinful life choices, and follows God’s will above all else.  How’s your faith in these areas?

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of James chapter 5 as he begins his message Does Your Faith Work?

In seasons of darkness or need in your life, how do you approach God?  Coming to God in prayer is your best and strongest tactic as you face the trials of life.  Today, Pastor John offers you some incredible, practical and helpful ways to strengthen your prayer life and your connection to God in prayer.  Approaching God in humility, recognizing your need, and praying in persistent expectation is the best way to pray.  Trust that God hears you and wants your best. And don’t give up in your prayers!

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of James chapter 5 as he continues his message Prayerful Till Christ Comes.

Believers in Christ often find it easier to work, study, serve and worship than to pray.  However, staying connected to God happens through prayer.  But, all too often, you pray only when you’re in crisis or need.  Today, Pastor John will encourage you to seek the Lord in all seasons of life – in joy, suffering, sickness, and spiritual darkness.  God desires you to seek Him and converse with Him about all things.  He hears all your prayers, and He rejoices to grow in intimacy with you as you pray.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of James chapter 5 as he begins his message Prayerful Till Christ Comes.

There’s often an assumption that suffering and trials come because you have not walked in God’s will.  It’s simply a consequence of ungodly behavior.  And once you obey God and serve Him, you won’t suffer anymore.   This, however, as Pastor John teaches today, is completely false.  Jesus promised that believers would suffer in this world because of the sin and brokenness here.  You can suffer even if you’re exactly in God’s will.  But God cares for you as you suffer.  He’s with you and still worthy of your trust and worship.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of James chapter 5 as he continues his message Patient till Christ Comes.

No one likes to suffer.  You avoid it at any cost.  It’s hard to see that anything good will ever come from your suffering.  Yet, as Pastor John explains today, God has a purpose for your suffering.  He never allows you to suffer for nothing.  He allows suffering in your life for your growth, to make you better and stronger, and to make you more like Jesus.  You must remember, God’s in control.  The fruit produced by your suffering is beautiful and precious. Be patient and trust God in this season.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of James chapter 5 as he begins his message Patient till Christ Comes.

It’s so hard to look at the wealth and prosperity of others if you lack in some physical way.  Your heart becomes covetous and you’ll lose any contentment God’s given you.    However, as Pastor John will teach you today, you must remember that those who love money and work to accumulate everything they can buy are slaves to that wealth.  They’re headed to eternal destruction.  Don’t envy those who’ll spend eternity in Hell.  Instead, love God, focus on Him.  Be grateful and content with your blessings.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of James chapter 5 as he continues his message Riches That Rust.

Do you ever feel like if you only had more money, if you won the lottery perhaps, then you’d be happy and feel blessed by God?  Money is viewed as the path to happiness and fulfillment.  Yet, that’s the wrong perspective.  Today, Pastor John will encourage you to recognize that anything you have, including money, is a gift from God.  He blesses you with money so that you’d turn around and bless others.  Not so you’d hoard it accumulate more things. Don’t let money get a hold of your heart.  Instead, be content and generous.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of James chapter 5 as he begins his message Riches That Rust.

Independence is often hailed as the best virtue.  Yet, a life independent from God is doomed to fail.  You may think you know the best plan for your life, but Pastor John calls that out as arrogance today.  It’s foolish to do what you want, how you want, only turning to God when things begin to fall apart.  Instead, Pastor John recommends, seek God and His wisdom for all plans and dreams.  And trust Him when He directs you.  Life is challenging and uncertain, and you need God’s wisdom and direction!

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of James chapter 4 as he continues his message The Saint’s Subtle Sins.