21 Sermons Tagged "Hardships"

In this sermon we learn what God has promised to those who put their trust in mankind instead of him, and we see that God promises to bless those who trust in him, even if they are sometimes insulted, excluded, hated, and rejected in this world because of their faith.

It is easy to see the world right now as tumultuous, given the many problems people are facing locally, nationally, and even globally. However, as Christians we know that Jesus promised we would bear crosses in our lives, and those crosses are often tests to show us where our faith is strong and where our faith is weak.

Like the disciples on the boat during the storm, we can often wonder if Jesus cares about the problems in our lives, with our friends, and even in our communities and countries. The truth is he cares so much that he lived and died for us, and as true God he is all knowing and all powerful, ruling over everything for our good.

The Athanasian Creed, which was prepared to assist the Church in combating heresies in the church, declares that whoever rejects the doctrine of the Trinity and the doctrine of Christ is without the saving faith. But how do we know if we have that saving faith?

We are connected to Christ Jesus like branches are connected to the vine. Through that connection God blesses us and rules for our good. We not only praise him and hold him in reverent awe, but we even reflect his glory in our daily lives.

Jesus explained that he would die on the cross and then rise again, but Peter did not understand and initially rejected what Jesus said. Jesus rebuked Peter and then told his followers to take up their crosses and follow him. That message applies to us today, but if, like Peter, we don't understand the crosses in our lives, we may reject them.

When God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, it was not for God's knowledge or benefit, but for Abraham's. While the tests and hardships we encounter may not be as intense as Abraham's, we know that God uses them for our good to strengthen our faith and demonstrate to us just how strong our faith is.