19 Sermons Tagged "Struggle"

Living the life of a Christian is not always joyous. In fact for some, like most of the disciples, there are times when it can be miserable. Yet in his "High Priestly Prayer" before his arrest, Jesus prayed for God the Father to give us his joy.

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.

Through the prophet Isaiah God explained his plan to bring salvation to the world, and we find comfort in knowing that prophecy was fulfilled in Christ Jesus. Furthermore, we should spread this comfort to both our fellow Christians and the rest of the world by sharing the good news of forgiveness and salvation.

Even though we are still facing the COVID-19 pandemic and all of the hardships it has brought, we can always give thanks to the LORD our God because he is our refuge, our strength, and our help in distress.

We apply Psalm 66 (entitled "How Awesome Are Your Deeds!") to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic in order to remind ourselves that God is in control, working all things for our benefit.

Freedom is service; we are free to serve for no selfish reason at all because we have been served by Christ. Freedom is struggle; struggle against the sinful nature, struggle against the yoke of the law, and struggle to be on the lookup for the snares of temptation. But freedom also means we can grow fruits of faith through our new man who is connected to Christ.

Christ’s cross puts you in the crucible (a clay pot used for heating metal until it becomes molten), and the crucible (your crosses) removes your dross.

Throughout this New Year be sure to trust in Christ, who is your foundation. Whether you did or did not see the storm coming, remember to trust in Christ. And when the storms are over, look back at how Christ kept you anchored on Him; it will fill you with thanks and praise and give you a stronger trust in Him.