The bible doesn’t promise that the believer will not suffer on this earth.  Believers will experience sickness, trials, and death because we live in a fallen world.  And God is a God of miracles. He’s powerful enough to conquer sickness and even death, as he demonstrated with Lazarus.   However, as Pastor John teaches today, it may not always be in God’s will to do that kind of miracle.  Like Jesus in the garden, pray instead for His will to be done.  And trust Him.  He will be with you and bring good out of suffering.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of John chapter 11 as he continues his message The Loneliness of Sorrow.

In this world, one thing is for sure – life is short and death is certain. If you don’t know Jesus and believe in Heaven, the unknown of death is a scary prospect.  And the death of a loved one brings great sorrow and grief.  However, as Pastor John teaches today, you don’t need to fear as a believer in Jesus .  Because Jesus rose from the grave after His sacrifice for our sins, you are also going to rise after death to dwell with Him in Heaven.  So you can sorrow with hope knowing you’ll see other believers there.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of John chapter 11 as he begins his message The Loneliness of Sorrow.

Of all the people in the bible, the man Job suffered more than just about anyone else, except Jesus.  He suffered more and lost more in just a few days than some do in a lifetime.  He begged his friends for pity, support and care.  They had abandoned him in his suffering and he felt utterly alone.  This loneliness only added to his suffering.  Yet, as Pastor John teaches today, he wasn’t really alone.  He still trusted God and believed Him despite what He was going through.  He knew God lived and was still sovereign!

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Job chapter 19 as he continues his message The Loneliness of Suffering.

Suffering is, unfortunately, a part of everyone’s life.  Being a believer doesn’t make you immune to suffering and trials.  Yes, even believers suffer – sometimes more so.  However, as Pastor John explains today, God is still good.  God is still sovereign.  And God is still worthy of worship.  No matter what you’re going through, you must remember these truths about God.  Don’t lose heart, don’t walk away from your faith.  Instead, keep your trust and faith in God – don’t give up on Him.  He’s with you in this!

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Job chapter 19 as he begins his message The Loneliness of Suffering.

People often justify anger against another as reasonable.  They feel entitled to this passionate, strong emotion.  Yet, as Pastor John teaches today, anger, hatred and bitterness never satisfy and lead only to loneliness and misery.  These sinful emotions destroy relationships and grieve God.  Don’t allow these feelings to live in you.   Instead, be willing to forgive and be kind.  This requires humility, but it builds and strengthens relationships in a way like very few things can.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Genesis chapter 4 as he continues his message The Loneliness of Sin.

You can feel alone even in the middle of a crowded room.  There’s an emptiness and loneliness inside that’s completely unassociated with who’s surrounding you.  Today, Pastor John will explain that that could stem from a problem in your relationship with God.  Sin strains your relationship with God, and causes you to feel your depth of need.  God created you to be in relationship with Him, and you lack until you’re again close with God. So acknowledge your sin to God and repent to live rightly with Him again.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Genesis chapter 4 as he begins his message The Loneliness of Sin.

What can you base the assurance of your salvation on?  Maybe if you work hard, you’ll continue to be worthy of going to Heaven.  Or perhaps, God won’t grow tired of you if you’re perfectly obedient and will allow you into Heaven.  Well, as Pastor John teaches today, none of these have any truth.  In fact, you can base your assurance on one thing only – Jesus.  He paid the ultimate price for you to be saved.  He promises He’s preparing Heaven for you now. And He’s praying for you and advocating for you as you live your life of faith.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Romans chapter 8 as he continues his message Blessed Assurance.

So, you’ve made a profession of faith, choosing to trust and obey God as you seek to live a godly life.  But, can you be sure you’re forever saved?  Today, Pastor John will explain all of the ways you can have the assurance that you’re saved.  God promised that nothing can separate you from his love.  God is for you.  And if He’s for you, no one can go against Him and snatch you away.  He delivered you from sin by sending His son to the cross; therefore, he will deliver you safely to Heaven.  Your salvation is secure.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Romans chapter 8 as he begins his message Blessed Assurance.

Some people believe that their eternal salvation is all up to them.    And some people think that since the decision is already made, they don’t need to give much thought to God.  These are both flawed thoughts.  Pastor John teaches today that God is the author of your salvation.  He chose you and He determined before he knew you that He would conform you to the image of Christ.    This is where you cooperate with God to become more like Christ.  Trust in His promises and allow Him to make you who He destined you to be.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Romans chapter 8 for his message Salvation’s Golden Chain.

There’s a process that God starts when you become a believer.  He transforms you into the likeness of Jesus.  Once He’s started this process, begun in grace, he will complete it in the glory of Heaven.   He’s faithful to finish this work!  And as Pastor John teaches today, he will use everything in your life for your good.  And your ultimate good is to become like Jesus.  There’s so much God is doing you can’t see or understand, but that’s when you need to trust him that He’ll use even this moment for your good and His glory.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Romans chapter 8 for his message God’s Providential Care.