Sermon Cloud

~REFLECTION~

"The God who allows us to suffer, once suffered himself in Christ, and continues to suffer with us and for us today. The cross of Christ is the proof of God's personal, loving solidarity with us in our pain. Despite the obvious emphasis of Scripture, we are bombarded by suggestions that "successful" Christian living takes place in the realm of constant victory, health, wholeness, and financial prosperity. In response to this, we are not to pretend that suffering doesn't exist or that it might be instantly cured. Such notions are the product of empty heads and closed Bibles."
~Alistair Begg, Senior Pastor Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio

"One of my primary duties I believe as your pastor is to preach and to pray in such a way that when your calamity comes you won't curse God. And even more I think to preach and to pray in such a way that when your calamity comes, you will worship God and bless him in it."
~Dr. John Piper, Desiring God Ministries

~COMMITMENT~

Scripture Lesson: 1 Peter 1: 3-12

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you, 5who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
10Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Sermon How Could A Good God Allow Suffering? Russ Kapusinski

~COMMUNITY GROUP/FAMILY WORSHIP ASSIGNMENT~

1. Take time to share with one another a time when you faced a trial or experienced suffering. Share how that time of suffering and trial improved your life even though it was difficult. How was your life changed as a result for the better?

Read 1 Peter 1: 3-12

2. Discuss Dr. John Piper's quote together that is printed on page two of the bulletin. Why must God's people be prepared to suffer?

3. In our lesson this week from the Book of First Peter God shows us the important, vital connection between enduring suffering and the sure hope of the Christian's heavenly reward. Why is it so important to always keep our eternal destination before us? What are practical ways that you keep heaven in the forefront of your heart and mind? What discipline could you begin that would enable you to do this more and more?

4. In the sermon entitled "How Could A Good God Allow Suffering?" what one thing particularly gripped you and what do you plan to do about it in way of applying it to your life? Share these things with one another and pray for each other.

5. Remember to "preach the gospel to yourself and to one another." Whenever we have an encounter with God in His church and through His Word there are going to be areas highlighted where we haven't lived according to His plan. "Preaching the gospel to ourselves and to one another" is reminding one another that Christ obeyed (always) where we have failed and that he paid the price for our failure on the cross-so we're forgiven and free! Therefore, end your time with prayers of thanksgiving and praise to Christ for his wonderful gift of salvation!