When the believer suffers on account of Christ his capacity to fellowship with and know the Lord increases. This is why Paul states that he longs to “fellowship with the Lord's sufferings.” See, it is not that suffering is good in and of itself or that Paul just liked pain. Rather, it is that during times of stress and hardship our heart is weaned from this world. And thus, whatever worldly thoughts, desires, or passions which might compete with Christ are gone.
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
“ How to seek the Lord when in pain! ” This sermon focused on Phil 3:10c "[to knwo] the fellowship of His sufferings". I always equated that verse with us somehow ruminating over the crucifixion, but this sermon set the record straight -- it is for us to suffer with everyday difficulties we face as sinner's on this sin cursed earth, and to remember the world hates Christ, so it will without a doubt hate us.
We are not to just endure trials, but as good servants we are to EMBRACE trails, not that we are to invite adversity into our life, or seek it out. But if when the Lord consents to us being sifted as wheat, or if the Lord Himself ordains the suffering, either way we are to embrace, endure, and be confident that He is doing it all for His glory, and to perfect us.
The other point that Pastor Thurston brought out here was the Daniel 3:24-25 portion. Did Abednego, Meshach, and Shadrach even know that Christ was there in the midst of the fire with them? The scriptures seem to imply that they did not visibly see Him - just as in all our trials He is right there with us!!!
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
